HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – A long-time journalist and historian of Holland has died.
Randall (Randy) Vande Water, who spent more than four decades in various capacities with the Holland Sentinel before becoming an author and historian in retirement, passed away this past Friday, June 22, at the age of 88. The Zeeland native graduated from Holland High and Hope College, served in the military during the Korean Conflict, and earned various honors during his tenure with the Sentinel. He was also a contributing newscaster when WHTC-AM took to the air in 1948 and was a frequent newsman and guest on the radio station. Juke Van Oss’ final on-air interview on “WHTC Talk of the Town” before his death was with his long-time friend Mr. Vande Water on Mar. 4, 2016.
Mr. Vande Water wrote 15 books on various aspects of the history of the Holland area, augmenting that with numerous illustrated lectures, and participated in many other multi-media projects about the legacy of the Tulip City. He was also a part of a number of Christian and community entities in and around the Lakeshore.
“He published several of my photos in his last book “Holland” a few years ago,” wrote Holland resident and professional photographer J.R. Valderas. “When I met Randy back in 2015 to discuss which images he wanted to use for his latest publication, I remember him saying to me ‘keep up the great work on documenting our community for all to see in the future, as well as preserving our past.’”
Sportwriter Lee Lamberts shared his memories on WHTC’s Faceook page, writing, “Saddened. Randy gave me my first real job in journalism at a daily newspaper. I owe him for that. God bless the family in their time of loss.”
A 2 p.m. memorial service for Mr. Vande Water is slated for July 2 at Christ Memorial Church. Funeral arrangements through the Mulder Chapel of the Dykstra Funeral Home are available here.
