Charles "Cody" VanDyke

He was born on January 23, 1971 - that's a fact. His sisters told him he was ordered from the "Sears and Roebuck" catalog. We all agree that he was a much wanted BOY baby, to carry on the Charles VanDyke name. It took five tries, but finally success came in a big way; weighing over 10 pounds!

Poor little Cody was born to five mothers: Joyce, Tracy, Lori, Kelly and Crystal. We all loved this baby boy so much. We played with him and even dressed him up like "one of us" (in girl's clothes). We tortured him a little too. Our favorite form of torture was giving him a "swirly". This is done by turning him upside down and dunking his head in the toilet while flushing it. Cody was happy and funny and FULL OF ENERGY! He was the cutest boy ever; that blond hair and those blue eyes, who could resist? If you ever look around this room you will see all of the "little Cody's" in this family. Those VanDyke genes are strong! I swear every boy born since Cody has been told at some point, "you look just like Cody".

Cody wasn't mushy, but if you were loved by Cody, you knew it; even if he never said it. He loved his family and God. He worked hard and played harder. If you ever had the pleasure of vacationing with Cody you know what a "power vacation" is. He wasn't very good at relaxing. He was very competitive, loved sports and spent hours playing with anybody who would play with him. He coached his boy's teams and loved sharing his love of sports. He pushed everyone to their fullest potential, maybe even passed that point at times.

Whatever Cody did, he did it 1000%. He started mowing lawns before he could drive; dragging a mower behind his bike. He always seemed to work his way up to management positions in any job he started. After that, he was ready to move to his next challenge. Soon after Alex was born, he started a landscaping business, 'New Home Help', with his nephew, Chris; back to his roots of dragging a lawnmower around. He worked long hard days, for many years, in this Arizona heat and build a successful business to support his family.

Tina, Drew and Alex were Cody's world. Everything he did was for them. He loved to take family vacations with them; always making for a great adventure. Tina is a rose among these three men and Cody set a great example to his sons of how to care for, respect and love their Mama. Cody's faith has always been a huge part of who he is; sharing his faith with everyone he met.

When Cody was diagnosed with cancer, a little over two years ago, he never questioned God's plan. He had faith that even this was part of God's perfect plan for his life. He fought hard every day and believed God would heal him; if that was His will. He used his pain and struggle to share his faith and we know God was honored in his suffering. We prayed every day for Cody to be healed on this earth, but God's plan was to heal him in heaven. We have no doubt Cody is pain-free and probably playing basketball with the Saints and eating. We almost forgot to say how much Cody loved to eat...Dude could eat!!! and all the women in his life loved to feed him. Do you think he has had homemade ice cream yet?

To say Cody will be missed doesn't begin to express the hole his death has left in this family. The best way we can honor Cody is to live life to the fullest. Don't take life for granted. None of us know how much time we have. He was our baby, not supposed to go first, but only God knows our time.

So... Share your Faith, Love Love Love, however that looks to you. Work hard and Play harder!!!