Name: Cook Funeral Home & Cremation Services — Grandville Chapel
Address: Grandville, MI

Flowers cut and brought inside Black cars in a single line Your family in suits and ties And you're free
 The ache I feel inside Is where the life has left your eyes I'm alone for our last goodbye But you're free
 I remember you like yesterday, yesterday I still can't believe you're gone, oh... I remember you like yesterday, yesterday And until I'm with you, I'll carry on
 Adrift on your ocean floor I feel weightless, numb, and sore A part of you in me is torn And you're free
 I woke from a dream last night I dreamt that you were by my side Reminding me I still had life In me
 I'll carry on
 Every lament is a love song Yesterday, yesterday I still can't believe you're gone So long my friend, so long
 Song by the band Switchfoot from the Oh! Gravity Album

 Posted by Richard Klopp - Zionsville, IN December 12, 2009

We didn't see you long but our heart and prayers will be with you until the day we join you. You will be deeply missed as we reminise. Your thoughts and presents will remain in our hearts. There will be several tears as we say cheers to our new guardian angel. We know you will watch over us until the day you meet us again. Your family is in all thoughts and prayers to be brought the strengh and courage to grieve and get through the hard time. We love and miss you dearly.

 Posted by Amanda Dominiak - N FT Myers, FL December 12, 2009

My only memories of Keith are as a teenager. I never got to know him again as a man, but I still miss him.

 Posted by Dan Buck - Goshen, IN December 12, 2009

I figured Keith was his own man since he was an MK who could play soccer, but didn't go out for the team at Grand Rapids Baptist College. I wished he had. Then I would have gotten to know him better. Even so, I couldn't help but notice his infectious zest for life and his ability to put others at ease. May the God who created his soul comfort you who are feeling this loss so deeply. My prayers are with you.

 Posted by David DeCook - Grandville, MI December 12, 2009

Extending my prayers and sympathies to Keith's family. I'm a fellow Liberian MK, although did not know Keith personally, I do recall his parents, well. Our family was at Tappita at the same time, but left in 1965.

 Posted by Hellen Bennett - Spring Lake, MI December 12, 2009

Keith and I were both in Africa together as little kids. I have many fond memories from those years in Liberia. I was a lot younger than the Vanden Akker boys, but they always tried to include me in their adventures... It was wonderful to see the Vanden Akker family this past summer in Tennessee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now... God bless.

 Posted by Andrea Heath Milner - Kinston, NC December 12, 2009

Dear Vanden Akker Family,
 We are certainly saddened by the news of Keith's passing, but we have some wonderful memories. I still have a lot of old Super-8 movie footage that has Kevin and Keith "The Mighty Safari Hunters". 8- Andrea especially cherishes the one with her, and Keith "babysitting" the Chimp. They have it in Andrea's baby doll stroller.
 Our thoughts and prayers will certainly be with you during this time. I wish it was possible for Norma and me to be there for the Memorial Service, but we will not be able to make it.
 I did notify The Dodsons and Floyd and Frances.
 We love you folk and our heart aches with you, from the loss. They were like my own boys there in Liberia.
 Love, Dalton & Norma Heath

 Posted by Dalton and Norma Heath - Kinston, NC December 12, 2009

I remember Keith as a little kid in Liberia growing up. Since we were on different stations, I didn't know him well, but have very fond memories of his parents putting on an anniversary party for my parents when I was quite young. My heart goes out to the families who will miss him so much and we will be praying for you to experience the Comforter. Thanks for letting us know.

 Posted by Suzanne Guenter Bertness - Abbotsford December 12, 2009

I remember Keith from our ICA days. My heart is saddened we have lost a classmate of 1981. My prayers are with you, Janice, the boys, and Keith's parents. May God give you comfort and strength beyond measure in these days to come.

 Posted by Linda Hodgin Schrenk - Antwerp, OH December 12, 2009

Janice and family so sorry to hear about keith wish I could be there for you,my very best wishes that you will get through this miss seeing everyone,take care May Dominiak Converse.

 Posted by May Converse - Baltimore, VT December 12, 2009

May the Lord keep and sustain you.

 Posted by Frank & Alice Vanden Akker - GA December 13, 2009

How well we remember Keith, Our daughter and Keith were born just days apart. We have a picture of him holding Beth's hand when they were just babies. We shared a lot of fond memories about these two Missonary kids. We are so sorry to hear about Keith's homegoing and our prayers are with you! God bless you is our prayer!

 Posted by Ray & Barb Dunn - Springfield, OH December 13, 2009

Wow i was shocked to hear the news of Kieth's graduation. I remember playing basketball for hours with Kieth during our years together at ICA. I even remember the times I would cram myself into the Vanden Akker's car for the trip home for vacation. They would drop me off in Guiglo and then head on to Liberia. To the parents and Kevin, the death of a son and brother will certainly not be an easy loss to overcome. My God grant you a special measure of peace and strength, to endure the pain. To Kieth's wife and 2 sons. My you feel the prayers of hundreds who have loved Kieth over these 46 years. May you feel the presence of God in a supernatural way. To all of us who have lost our friend may we realize that time on earth is short. We have muck work to do for the cause of Christ. To every one" Be strong and courageous. For the Lord your God IS with you" John Parsons

 Posted by John Parsons - Elkhart, IN December 13, 2009

Forget me not, for I am there In the beat of your heart, On the wing of your prayer. Forgive me my parting and leaving you thus, A joyous reunion is waiting for us! Continue to strive toward your goal and be brave. Know that my love didn't stop at the grave. My spirit is with you through good times and bad. I share all the joys and the sorrows you've had. Feel my presence within your next breath And realize there's no distance in death. Ask for my help and I'll answer your call. Reach for my hand when you stumble and fall. Run the last mile with a smile on your face. My arms will be waiting when you finish the race. Always remember, my love is right there In the beat of your heart, On the wing of your prayer.
 Poem by: Linda Shelburn Reagan
 Love you buddy!

 Posted by Lisa Jenkins - Wayland, MI December 13, 2009

We know Keith, Janice, their sons and John and Marilyn through our friendship with Keith's brother Kevin and his wife Jodi. We have spent many Christmas Eves at Kevin and Jodi's home eating great food, playing games, and sharing with the extended Vanden Akker family. We my husband, myself and our 2 grown sons all commented, just after last Christmas, how much fun Keith was. And oh, how we did love to hear Keith and Kevin tell their Liberia stories. It must have been one adventure after another for those two that's probably how John and Marilyn got all that gray hair! We are so sorry for your loss and you will all be in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. But we will always remember the deep laugh that made its way from Keith's heart and as we watched him interact with his nephews, Jonathan and Kaleb we will also remember how much love he had for them and for his entire family. Our sincere sympathy, The Hittler Family Jim, Kris, Josh, Emily, Zach and Lindsay

 Posted by Kris Hittler - Huntington, IN December 13, 2009

As parents of children so close in age as yours are, we just cannot fathom what it must be like to lose one of our precious own. Our hearts ache for you John & Marilyn. We have known you for so many years and have so much appreciated you as friends and as God's dedicated missionaries. You have a special place in our hearts and that includes your children. We are praying that our dear Lord will give you the grace to face the days ahead. We pray His peace and comfort for you and for Keith's wife and boys. Marilyn, just from me Marcia, you have always been so special to me and I hurt with you so much. God be with you both.

 Posted by John & Marcia Waldmiller - Jenison, MI December 13, 2009

I was one of Keith's classmates in the Ivory Coast also and would like to say that I will miss him. I will be praying for the family and friends all over during this time. May God be with you and give you peace.

 Posted by Daniel Maxwell - Woodbridge, VA December 14, 2009

It has been a long time since we were classmates at Grand Rapids Baptist Academy but I remember Keith well. We kicked the soccer ball around and shared many good times. You are in my thoughts and prayers. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit 
 From Psalm 48:14

 Posted by Jonathan Gage - Ridgefield, NJ December 14, 2009

The words from this Steven Curtis Chapman song have always helped me through the loss of a loved one. Keith was my classmate at ICA, and I know that he will be greatly missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his friends and family.
 With Hope - by Steven Curtis Chapman 1 Thess. 4:13-14 / Heb. 6:9, 10:23 
 This is not at all how We thought it was supposed to be We had so many plans for you We had so many dreams And now you've gone away And left us with the memories of your smile And nothing we can say And nothing we can do Can take away the pain The pain of losing you, but ... 
 Chorus We can cry with hope We can say goodbye with hope 'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no And we can grieve with hope 'Cause we believe with hope There's a place by God's grace There's a place where we'll see your face again We'll see your face again 
 And never have I known Anything so hard to understand And never have I questioned more The wisdom of God's plan But through the cloud of tears I see the Father's smile and say well done And I imagine you Where you wanted most to be Seeing all your dreams come true 'Cause now you're home And now you're free, and ... Chorus
 We have this hope as an anchor 'Cause we believe that everything God promised us is true, so ... Chorus
 We wait with hope And we ache with hope We hold on with hope We let go with hope

 Posted by Denise Aldrich - Gladstone, OR December 14, 2009

Janice, Rich & Don - Thank you for sharing Keith the last 9 years with his Dp Brown of Detroit family. It should be a typical Monday morning but its not. The office is not the same without him making sure everything is in order and taken care of. He will be greatly missed and so will his stories. Keith always gave 110% and then some. Lending a hand wherever needed. Very proud of who he was, where he came from and all those he loved. 
 Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all - Keith will greatly missed. 
 God bless you with peace very soon, Amy, Ryland & Ryland V Magoon

 Posted by Amy Magoon - Rockford, MI December 14, 2009

I only met Keith once but talked to him on the phone on a regular basis. Always had a smile in his voice & a kind word. We all will miss you at dp Brown of Detroit...

 Posted by Sandra Thompson - Saginaw, MI December 14, 2009

Because I work out of the Saginaw office, I did not get to know Keith very well, but from the many conversations on the phone he was always polite and friendly. My sincere condolences to the family.

 Posted by Simon Medina - Saginaw, MI December 14, 2009

Keith was such a great co-worker, always willing and happy to assist you with anything he will be missed deeply. My prayers are with you and your family.

 Posted by Carol Plaza - Saginaw, MI December 14, 2009

Keith was a fellow inside sales rep.of dp Brown of Detroit. Although he was in Grand Rapids and I'm in Saginaw I knew that I could count on him for help. We worked through countless problems together. He was a joy to work with. We could make each other laugh. He will be sadly missed!!!!

 Posted by Mark Miller - Sebewaing, MI December 14, 2009

Keith was a fellow inside sales rep of dp Brown of Detroit. Although he was in Grand Rapids and I in Saginaw we worked together to solve countless problems. We could always make each other laugh. He was a joy to work with. He will be sadly missed!!!

 Posted by Mark Miller - Sebewaing, MI December 14, 2009

You are a really good friend, and I will miss you alot. We had really fun times together.

 Posted by George - Wayland, MI December 15, 2009

friday nites will never be the same. life will never be the same. i love you all so much. i am here for you all. wow. i am so sorry for your loss. larry we love you & thank you for being there for Janice.

 Posted by joanna denney - hastings, MI December 15, 2009

As an ICA classmate, I remember Keith as fun-loving, always with a smile and laugh that could draw you in. It seems unbelievable that we have lost one of our own so young. Looking back, it is the people of our youth that hold a strong place in our hearts and help to form our roots. I am deeply saddened by this loss. To the family, please know that many are sharing in your pain during this time. May you feel God's peace and enduring love each day as well as the prayers of many loving friends.

 Posted by Jana Bledsoe Higgins - Oklahoma City, OK December 15, 2009

We are all thinking of you and praying for your family during this very difficult time. 
 Judy Woodworth

 Posted by Judy Woodworth - Georgetown, KY December 15, 2009

I love and will miss my dad. He is the greatest father ever.

 Posted by Don Krueger - Hastings, MI December 15, 2009

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below, With tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, But the sounds of music can't compare with the choir that's up here. I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring, For it's beyond description to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart, But I am not so far away. We really aren't apart. So be happy for me, Dear Ones. You know I hold you dear, And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above. I send you each a memory of my undying love. After all, love is the gift, more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do, For I can't count the blessings or love He has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear. Remember, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
 Thank you for being you. Maddy & Stephie send hugs and kisses. We will love you, and keep you in our hearts forever. 
 Love, Jessica

 Posted by Jessica Miller - Hastings, MI December 15, 2009

While contact was infrequent through the years I have fond memories of Keith from growing up and while I have never met Janice, Rich, and Don my heart goes out to them as they deal with this loss. A good man was lost too early.
 Jim & Marion VandenAkker

 Posted by Jim VandenAkker - Moyock, NC December 15, 2009

We are greatly surprised and saddened to hear of the loss of your son, brother, husband and father. We in Liberia will be praying for God to comfort you in these difficult days. May He pour out His grace to you in a special way at this time of loss.

 Posted by Mark and Nancy Sheppard - Monrovia December 16, 2009

As an MK from Liberia in the early 60's, I didn't know Keith that well, but we did know his parents. We pray that God will grant you His peace during this time of sorrow and separation. May you experience God's comforting embrace in the days ahead.

 Posted by Phil Ozinga - Ann Arbor, MI December 16, 2009

Janice, Rich and Don we regretfully acknowledge the loss of Keith to you. I can only tell you how instrumental he was for Great Lakes Belting and what he brought to us as a Supplier and then becoming our shop manager for two years. Our deepest and most sincere sympathy along with Prayer are with you during this great loss.

 Posted by Kip Kerby - Paw Paw, MI December 17, 2009

Growing up as a fellow MK in Liberia, even though on different stations and not knowing Keith so much, it still feels like another family member in Heaven! I am praying for you all in this time of sad loss here.

 Posted by Pamela Watkins Shultz - Danbury, NC December 19, 2009

I knew Keith from Ivory Coast Academy. It hurts to lose one of us from that time. I pray for God's comfort for his family.

 Posted by Lewann K Ball - McCall, ID December 21, 2009

I had not seen Keith since high school, but after reading memories of him, it is apparent that he was still the fun and friend-to-all guy we remember from ICA. Keith always had a smile and his laugh was contagious. He was one of those friends you never forget, despite the many years that go by. To his family, I am so sorry for your loss. My mom, also a former missionary, wanted to extend her condolences.

 Posted by Colleen Schleh - Santo Domingo December 28, 2009

Its all most been a year all ready. I still cant believe he is gone i never thought i would read the this. its been so hard to look at i miss my dad so much still. Thank you every for Every thing

 Posted by Rich Vanden Akker - Hastings, MI November 04, 2010

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Keith Allen Vanden Akker

24 novembre 1963 – 10 décembre 2009

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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