Obituary
Guest Book
Edwin J. "Bud" VanDeWege
Born March 29, 1929 in Holland, Michigan, son of James and Margaret VanDeWege.
Passed peacefully early Monday morning, July 2nd, at the age of 83.
He is survived by the love of his life for 48 wonderful years, Hanky (Helene); and his 3 children and their spouses Shelley Barsoom (Daryl), Len VanDeWege (Arlene), and Bud VanDeWege, Jr. (Kathy).
He was also blessed with 10 grandchildren who brought him much pride and happiness: Darice, Kristin, Alex, and Marti Barsoom; Melissa, Jennifer, and Derek VanDeWege; and Kimberly, Kelsey, and Evelyn VanDeWege; along with 1 great-grandchild Eloise.
Bud was a versatile and accomplished 3-sport athlete in Football, Basketball, and Track; highlighted by earning MHSAA All-State honors and the 1946 Class A State Championship in Basketball at Holland High School; followed by success at Hope College, leading the MIAA Conference in basketball scoring as a freshman in 1948.
He followed his life-long love of sports to Ann Arbor in 1964, when he came to work as the manager of the (George J.) Moe Sport Shops on North University and South State streets. He and Hanky realized their dream in 1971 when they bought the business and started a 39-year run establishing Moe's and Bud as 2 of Ann Arbor's most beloved local business icons, touching the lives of generations of University of Michigan students and fans.
"Big Bud" had a loyal passion for all Michigan Athletics, following every sport he could. He befriended countless athletes, coaches, and administrators through the years. With a special love for Wolverine Basketball, Football, Tennis, and Baseball, he and Hanky created a lifetime of friendships and memories tailgating, cheering, and supporting the Maize and Blue.
His devotion to Michigan Athletics was officially recognized in 2010 when he was presented with an honorary varsity letter, joining the legions of Michigan "M" Men and Women with lifetime membership in the Letterwinners Club.
He was further recognized by his peers with the "Yellow Jacket" award from the Bob Ufer Quarterback Club for his service and devotion to the legendary athletic scholarship fundraising club.
Among Bud's greatest pleasures in life came from golfing with Hanky, going to Las Vegas and local casinos with his friends and son Bud, daily breakfast at Frank's, lunch at Thano's, the Friday Club(s), poker with the guys, and sharing his backyard pool with family and friends.
His legacy will be a life-long goal of making people happy with a generous and joyful heart; living-out his life's philosophy of making "today the most important day of your life"
Donations in honor of Bud can be made to:
The University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center
The University of Michigan Athletic Department
A Celebration of his Life will be held on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 2:00 pm at the Polo Fields Country Club in Ann Arbor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 18, 2012
Steve Postmus
Dear Hanky and family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out too all of you. Bud and my Dad were very close cousins growing up in Holland, I heard many great stories from my father Willis "Bill" Postmus about good times they shared. I'm sure they're having fun again in Heaven together.
Sincerely,
Steve & Barbara Postmus
November 5, 2012
Leslie Spicer-Williams
I will miss him dearly. I came to know him as a great friend while playing basketball for Buddy. I would often stop in to visit the store during visits back to Ann Arbor and I never met him without a smile on his face or love in his heart. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
September 16, 2012
Mark McQuillan
Bud you were so nice to me and my family over all these years; a true gentleman, friend, and teacher!
July 10, 2012
The Joppru Family
Bud was such a big part of our wonderful "GO BLUE" Michigan experience. He was one of those rare people who truly make the world a better place to be. Just thinking of his big smile and his matching big voice, makes you feel happy.
Bud, thank you for making a difference in our lives!
Love and prayers to Hanky and family.
July 9, 2012
Pat Rieger
Deepest sympathy to you Buddy and to the entire Vandewege family. You have lost a wonderful Dad, Grandpa and friend and Michigan has lost THE Super Fan! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless Bud Sr. Love to you and your family Buddy.
July 9, 2012
Jim, Annamarie & Rachele Conley
We will always remember and love Bud. He was a true friend to all my family especially our daughter Rachele. He loved to tease her and make her giggle when she was little. What a great guy! Our deepest condolences to Hanky and her family! He will be missed in A2.
July 8, 2012
Mike and Maureen Wood; Andy, Tim & Mary Kate
Love you always Bud. We'll miss you down here. Know that your life and the way you lived it touched so many others. Myself and my family among them. We'll remember you always~
July 8, 2012
Paul Veroff
I would never see Bud on the street, his shop and at Michigan sports game without him giving me a friendly hello and we would start engaging in a very nice conversation! I loved Bud as he was a tremendous person and a tremendous friend! Go blue Bud!!!!!!!!
July 8, 2012
Joan Rieger
You are all my thoughts and prayers! Thank you Bud Sr. for all your support, cheering in the stands and giving the refs a hard time when they deserved it! Sending you my love Buddy, Kathy and Hanky.
July 8, 2012
Cindi Lees
Bud hired me as the little sister of his secretary, Sandy. He sent me to run the "little store" one summer, realizing at the end of the summer my age :-). One never forgets this magical man and his Moe's family. With loving thoughts...
July 8, 2012
Betsy Gaudette-Cross
I met Bud as a high schooler and best friend of his oldest daughter, Shelley. I heard stories for the next 40-some years through her. My love and prayers are sent to Len, Buddy, and Hanky.
July 8, 2012
Nancy Corfman
To the entire family of "Bud", Even though I didn't know him personally, I am a native Ann Arborite from K-12 and beyond. (Won't mention here where I went to college, but it wasn't at the U-M :=) Each time I would be downtown, I would always stop at Moe's and remember going to U-M football games with my (former) husband and father-in-law, who were both big fans. "Bud" would always strike up a conversation with me and we would laugh about my going to "the other school" and how GO BLUE would always be his motto. One time I finally gave in and bought a U-M t-shirt and had "Bud" autograph it, since I knew I'd never get any football, basketball, hockey or baseball player to sign it. I still have that t-shirt (from 1977) and I will always treasure it as it comes with many fond memories. RIP "Bud". Even though we've lost a friend, we've gained many, many memorable and happy memories.
July 7, 2012
Louise Langlieb
Remembering Bud: Many years ago together with my husband Ed, we went to the big Michigan, Michigan game on Columbus Day. It was a cold and rainy day, and by the time the game was over, I was frozen. We went to Bud's Key Club, and my husband Ed and Bud thought I should have brandy to warm up.
Two brandies, and I just about passed out on the bathroom floor. Bud never let me forget that.......His humor was remarkable. My heart if joyful when I think of you, Bud, but oh so sad that you have left this side of the universe. Love Libby (Louise) Louise Langlieb
Rest in peace.
July 6, 2012
David Schick
I was saddened to hear of Bud's passing. He was a wonderful person and will remain a huge part of the Michigan community and tradition. It was a true privilege to have known him and his family.
July 5, 2012
Uncle Bud was a great guy. We really enjoyed the time we spent with him and will have many wonderful memories of the many special occasions,. Our visit to Ann Arbor, was the best...He will be missed but not forgotten.
Love to you Bud..
Eileen and Gersh Marholin
July 5, 2012
Eric Middleton
Bud was one of those few, who when speaking to me, made me feel like the most important person in the world. Bud has been a hero to me and so many others. What an honor it has been to have known this great man. Blessings to the kids (Bud and Kathy), and of course you Hanky.
July 5, 2012
Lorin Cartwright
Hanky, Bud and Kathy-
I was shocked to hear about Bud. He was always so nice. He'd always sit with me during the art fair so we could chat about things while I was taking a much needed rest. He told be about the gamble he took buying the store. But most of all he loved watching the girls play sports at Pioneer. He'd park his car so he could get the best view. He had a smile and a story every time we'd talk. He will be missed, but I hope God is a U of M fan or he is going to be in trouble. Much Love
July 5, 2012
Oh Hanky...End of an era. Just think how glad Pete will be when he sees him!!! Even when it is time it is so hard. I send sympathies, a huge hug and LOVE,
Carolyn Van Boven
July 5, 2012
Gale Cain
Dear Uncle Bud,
I loved you with all of my heart and so did all of our family. I was so glad that day when I was on skype and you saw me (Hanky wasnt home), and you called me, what a surprise (a few months back). You just wanted to chat, and I always felt so close to you, it was such a pleasure. I will be there for Hanky and Shelley (my closest ones) and the kids, when we are together, so dont you worry about them~ Love, Your Niece Gale
July 5, 2012
Caryn Filkoff
There are no words to describe the loss of this incredible man - my heart goes out to all who are grieving. He married my aunt when I was about 14 and became my Uncle Bud - we were so blessed to have him in our family.
July 4, 2012
Heather Jerue Harbin
Buddy & family - I enjoyed my years working in the shop. You gave a teenager a chance and you all treated me like family. I never found a place down here in Athens, GA for my Bulldog gear that even compared to Moe's. Bud was a sweet, kind man and I know his legacy of good sportsmanship in all areas of life will live on.
July 4, 2012
Judy Hart
Bud was a kind and generous person. We will really miss his laughter and stories. I remember getting my swim suits, shoes, t-shirts, and sweats at Moe's. Loved all the autographed photos of the athletes. He always had time to chat and ask about everyone. He will truly be missed.
July 4, 2012
Shelly Kovacs
Hanky and Buddy,
We are so sorry for your loss; a loss that will be felt by the entire Ann Arbor and UM communities. It will take a while before we all realize that we won't see his smiling face around the next corner or at the next event. I am so sorry I didn't know he was failing, I would have come to visit. It seems like just a few weeks ago we sat next to each other at some event and he seemed to be doing well. He told me I was too young to have "retired," and I reminded him how long he knew me! We both laughed and I told him about my book and my second career to assure him that I wasn't really retired! He touched everyone he knew and made this world a better place. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers,
Shelly Kovacs
July 4, 2012
Paula Hall
There is never enough words to say during this time, But you all are in my thought and prayers, I well miss bud and his smiling face every morning at Franks Resturant
July 4, 2012
Carol Coppersmith
Bud was a great Michigan man. He was kind and thoughtful and will be missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to the family.
July 3, 2012
Helen Johnson-Harding
Thinking of Bud Jr and Hanky! Bud & Moe's is a part of my college experience! I remember walking into Moe's my first year at UM and told Bud he had to hire me. He said you have to work football Saturdays and I said "No Way!" But as we continued to talk he was fascinated by how much I knew about not only UM athletics but all sports, so he made an exception- and thank god he did. The next 3 years were filled with visits from Hanky, trips to Drake's to get candy for Bud and he always said buy something for yourself. He sort of adopted me in the summer and invited me over to swim. It was an open invite and I truly appreciated the gesture. Even when I graduated and got a job at the Athletic Dept he still greeted me like an old friend when I would visit and continued to give me the employee discount years later- which was then passed on to Buddy who also treated me wonderfully and Yes- contined to give me the employee discount. I know Bud is up in heaven having a good talk with Bo! Rest In Peace!
July 3, 2012
Mary Durbin Beane
I worked for Bud for many years and loved every moment of it. When you worked for Bud you didn't have a job, you had a second home. He was wonderful to me and I will never, ever forget his spirit. I love you, Bud.
July 3, 2012
Robin Levine
Dear Aunt Hanky,
Words are never enough at a time like this, but know that caring thoughts are with you and your family.
May special memories give you strength at this difficult time.
When someone you love becomes a memory~~~
That memory becomes a treasure~~~
And what a treasure Uncle Bud is...
My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
With love,
Robin (Jack, Cassandra & Lisa too)
July 3, 2012
Frank Nardelli
We were very sorry to hear about Bud's passing. Please know we are thinking about your family and our extended Moe's family. We will all remember him.
July 3, 2012
bobbie jo richards - bleser
Bud - you will be missed -- i worked at Moe's throughout my college years in Ann Arbor!! You were wonderful to me and treated me like family. Julie and I loved working for you
Bobbie Jo Richards Bleser
July 3, 2012
To the VanDeWege family, please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of Bud. He was a great man. Back in 1980, he made all of the arrangements for me to get married on the 50-yard line in Michigan Stadium. I am sorry for your loss. Bob Fisher Shelby, Ohio
July 3, 2012
Lisa Hass
RIP Bud. You will be remembered by many and forgotten by no one. As always Godspeed and Go Blue!
July 3, 2012
Rosie Wright
I worked for Bud from 1979-1981 at the N. University Moe Sport Shops location. I have only happy and fun memories of this wonderful human being. He loved the store and he treated us like family. He was Moe's, he was Meeechigan, he was a great family man and friend to all comers. Warm thoughts and condolences to Hanky and everyone else who loved this dear man.
July 3, 2012
Jim Pollock
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Hankie, Buddy and Kathy. I'll never forget how friendly Bud was to me and my boys through the years...he was a special man !!
July 3, 2012
Katie Piehl
Wow. An end of an era. I worked for Bud starting in High School and all the way through college. He and Bud Jr were a great source of support and smiles throughout the years. Bud was a great man. The days would be filled with people stopping by to talk with him - he was so highly respected by students, athletes, coaches, random shoppers, his peers.
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family - it's been years, but I've never forgotten how wonderful you all are.
July 3, 2012
As a kid in the 60's, I spent a lot of time with my friends hanging around Moe's and very little time buying anything ... regardless, Bud was unfailingly nice to us and to this day sticks in my mind as the essence of a good guy. Condolences to friends and family. Kevin Roseborough, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI.
July 3, 2012
Jackie Garris
Hanky and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was happy to see you and Bud at the U of M basketball games this past winter. He always looked thrilled to be there, wearing his Maize and Blue proudly. I recall many, many times in my youth (and later on in life) going to Moe's and being in awe of all the Michigan paraphernalia that was there. It was like Heaven to me, and Bud always had a smile, even though I was in there more times as a lurker than a consumer. May his memory be eternal.
July 3, 2012
Traci Menoch-Berger
What an all around great guy. We are really going to miss Bud whistling for Hanky to come and pick him up! It's bittersweet to see him go, but admirable that it was on his terms.
July 3, 2012
"Nord" (John) Nordlinger
I submit this tribute on behalf of Bud & Annie Stein (formerly of Stein & Goetz), Cindy Stein Nordlinger, "Nord" (John) Nodlinger and Julie Ziesemer. Our thoughts of condolence go out to Hankie, Buddy & Kathy and granddaughters. To echo George Pomey's comment--you never heard a negative word about Bud VanDeWege. Everybody loved him and he loved everybody. What a legacy!!
July 3, 2012
Dave Skala
One of the nicest people I ever met and I was proud to consider him a friend. As a kid he always slipped me special prices on my purchases simply out of the kindness of his heart. One of Ann Arbor's finest! He will be missed.
July 3, 2012
Geoff Blow
What a great man and Michigan Man. I ran the little store on the corner of State and Packard for several years for him and Bud Jr. while I got my own business up and running.
My thoughts and prayers and with him and his family.
Thanks Bud,
Geoff Blow (Ann Arbor, Mi.)
July 3, 2012
Michael Taylor
I was deeply saddened to hear of Bud's passing.He was a man of tremendous spirit and it was a pleasure to speak with him every time I came into his store! My prayers go out to Bud and his family on the life of an honorable and great man!!
July 3, 2012
Matt Cooper
I was saddened to hear Bud had passed. He was a good, kind and generous man and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family today.
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