Steve Vandermeer, six-year resident of Humboldt County but constant visitor since 1959, was born in Everett, Wash. in 1952 to parents Fred and Louise Vandermeer. He passed away suddenly on May 26, 2015 at his home in McKinleyville, with his wife of 30 years, Elizabeth Vandermeer, at his side.

After briefly living in southern California, he lived most of his life in northern California, starting in Santa Cruz County and graduating from San Lorenzo Valley High School in Felton. He became employed in the freight industry, married sweetheart Liz and started a family in Modesto. He was very involved in his boys’ sports, starting with being Little League coach extraordinaire, winning three Modesto City championships with the Rose Avenue Mustangs.

He and Liz were so proud of both their sons, who excelled in sports and school. A family man who loved and lived for his family, Steve helped care for his mother in her later years, and his beloved father-in-law Bud Johnson. He enjoyed music immensely and was a walking blues encyclopedia, as well as loving all kinds of music.

After 30-plus years in the freight industry during which time Steve was a driver trainer, dispatcher, terminal manager and had won so many customer service awards we lost count, Steve retired and moved up to Humboldt County, a favorite place of the Vandermeers since 1959, when we would come up to visit relatives every year.

As Steve’s son Cy puts so eloquently: “My dad was a very funny and forgiving man. It wasn’t in his nature to hold grudges, and this made him welcoming to anyone who encountered him. He loved to open up about himself and talk about his experiences in order for people to feel comfortable enough to do the same. He was coastal by nature, growing up in Santa Cruz and eventually moving to Humboldt County six years ago. He loved cruising up and down the 101 to the local beaches, combing the sand for shells, driftwood and other treasures. Steve and his wife would take their grandchildren along and teach them about the ocean and help them find their own treasures. A big part of Steve’s life was music, and the genre that he most loved was rhythm and blues.”

He loved his two dogs Bella and Allie. He was the best “Papa” to his grandchildren and spent his last day with them. There is no service planned at this time — please share stories with the family as the greatest way to remember Steve. Loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to all he met, he lives in our hearts forever.

He is survived by his brother Cy Vandermeer and sister-in-law Julie Vandermeer of Brookings, Ore., his sister Susan Vandermeer of Arcata, his wife Elizabeth (Liz) Vandermeer and their sons Aaron Vandermeer of Arcata, and Cy Vandermeer and daughter-in-law Laura Berreth, with grandchildren Lucas and Jane Vandermeer of McKinleyville. He is survived by two nieces and one nephew and numerous grand nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by both his parents.  

###

The above obituary was submitted by Steven Vandermeer’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.