Richard “Rick” Vandertuin
Died: August 30, 2025 | Place: Victoria Hospital, London
Services
Visitation
Friday, September 5, 2025
2:00-4:00 pm
6:00-8:00 pm
A. Millard George Funeral Home
60 Ridout Street South
London, Ontario
N6C 3X1
Obituary
VANDERTUIN, Richard “Rick”…
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Rick Vandertuin, at Victoria Hospital on Saturday, August 30, 2025 in his 78th year.
Rick was a loving husband to Joan for 54 beautiful years. His memory will forever be cherished by his children, Michael Vandertuin (Tania-Marie), and Cathy Van Rompaey (Luke). Rick was a very proud grandfather to Noah, Max, Jack, and Eric. He was also a dear brother to Sylvia, Maaike and John (Betty). Predeceased by siblings Peter, Joan, and sister-in-law Marguerite. He will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews and close friends.
Rick’s grandsons were the light of his life. He was their biggest supporter in all of their athletic endeavours and spent many days and nights in the cold arena cheering them on.
Rick dedicated his life to education, serving as a teacher and principal in London, Ontario. His passion for learning, kindness, and his dedication to his students and staff left a lasting impact on many. He was a mentor to many as they embarked on their teaching careers.
Rick enjoyed all sports and could often be found watching the latest games on tv, with a dog by his side. He was an avid fan of the London Knights and during the summer months he loved to golf with his golf group, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. When not watching sports he could often be found reading one of his many books with a Tim Horton’s coffee.
Rick will forever be remembered for his leadership, kindness and smile. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Cremation has taken place and visitation will take place at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A celebration of life for Rick will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick’s name to The St. Andrew Memorial Anglican Church Memorial Fund, The Humane Society London-Middlesex, or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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Deborah Phibbs - St. Andrew Memorial Anglican Church Memorial Fund
Brandy and Dan Robichaud - Canadian Cancer Society
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Dear Joan and family,
We are so sad to hear of Rick’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time and know that you are in our prayers.
My sincere condolences Joan, to you and your family. I met Rick a few times through our bookclub yet felt that I had known him much longer. He was so engaging and comfortable with our group. My thoughts are with you and may your memories give you support in the days ahead.
Edie Collins
May happy memories warm your heart and caring friends and families surround you with comfort. Joan, my condolences to you and your family.
Mike and Tania, our condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers and with you.
Mike and Cathy, so sorry to read of your fathers passing. My heart felt condolences on such a heartbreaking loss.
Dear Joan and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences. I have many fond memories of our times together.
Rick and Jeanne
Dear Joan, Cathy , Mike and family,
We were all so sad to hear of Rick’s passing. He was such a wonderful person, educator, friend and family man. We all have such fond memories of his connection to Ashley Oaks P.S. …Heather greeting him on a daily basis after school each day when she and Joan taught together over their many year’s together ….Iain Sr and Iain Jr knew him as Mrs. Vandertuin’s dear hubby . Most recently, Iain Jr connected with you both at the Tri Car buildings in his “grown up ” job and we enjoyed our church suppers at St. Andrews catching up together. We are so sorry to be missing the visitation as we are away in Europe. Our most heartfelt condolences to you all, Heather, Iain Sr and Iain Jr Guild
Rick was my first Principal way back in 1995 when he offered me a job at Westmount PS. He was a brilliant leader and mentor for a young teacher like myself. He treated us all with respect. the community respected Rick because he was a kind and caring educator. That being said, he was never afraid to make a decision and we all knew that is was ALWAYS in the best interests of the children at the school. I could not have asked for a better leader/mentor to assist me in those formative years as an educator. The world has lost a kind human being. My condolences to the entire Vandertuin family.
Dear Joan and family
This certainly was a shock to us and we were so sad to hear of Rick’s passing. Rick was a respected leader, mentor, advocate, friend and compassionate man. As always, Rick was up for a good laugh, commaraderie, and always ready to jump in to ensure the well being of others. Our heartfelt condolences to you, family and those who new him.
Joan. It was so sad to hear of Rick”s sudden passing … Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this trying time for you and your family …
My sincerest condolences to the Vandertuin family.
I had the privilege of knowing Mr. Vandertuin (Rick) at critical moments throughout my life. He was first my teacher at Wilton Grove P.S., then my Vice-Principal, and later a colleague and mentor. My family still fondly recalls my Grade 8 Graduation, when Mr. V presented me with the General Proficiency Award and introduced me as “a student I know very well.” A cheeky remark reflecting both my academic and young troublemaking capabilities.
As Rick’s career grew, he became a principal, a colleague, and a friend to my dad, Ian Hardie. I was deeply honoured when he attended my Dad’s Celebration of Life in 2023.
As a new teacher myself, I was fortunate to have Rick, when he was principal at Westmount P.S., provide guidance and encouragement that left a lasting mark on me. Even as a principal of a large, busy school, Rick found time to support a former student.
Rick’s leadership was consistently kind, positive, and genuine. Whether as a teacher, administrator, or friend, he was always smiling, friendly, and eager to help. He cared deeply for his students, colleagues, and most of all, his family — who he spoke of often and with such love.
There are very few people I can truly call mentors, role models, and inspirations. Rick Vandertuin is one of those people. He was one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
Dear Joan and Family
For over twenty years, we had the best neighbours and we’re very sad about Rick’s passing. You and Rick were always so friendly, kind and supportive for us. He always had a smile and good advice.
We’ll miss him always. All our love to you.
Dear Joan & family
So sorry to hear that Rick passed away
I always appreciated my ride to book club
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Rick. He is someone I described as a favourite because of the person he was. He cared and changed so many lives and truly loved what he did. He would speak of his family and his grandchildren and you could feel how much he loved them and was so proud. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to work with him for several years when he was an Educational Consultant with CAS. My thoughts are with his family and friends and his loved dog.
Our sincere condolences to the whole Vandertuin family. Lesley and I were shocked to hear of Mr. Vandertuin’s passing. We met him several times at the arena while he was watching either Noah or Max playing in a hockey game or taking part in power skating classes. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May you find comfort in your memories of a life well lived but taken way too soon.
Carole and Lesley
Mr. Vandertuin was principal at Westmount Public School when our sons attended there. He was sensitive, warm and compassionate. He made an effort to be approachable, greeting students and parents in the hallways and exhibiting a genuine interest in everyone he met. We were grateful to have gotten to know him. Our condolences to the Vandertuin family.
Don & Elenor Taves