Thomas S. Vander Woude: A Name That Deserves to Be Remembered

21 April AD 2014

Thomas S. Vander Woude who died in 2008 is part of my personal pantheon of heroes:

Thomas S. Vander Woude, 66, died last week while helping his son Joseph, who has Down syndrome, after he fell into a septic tank while working in the yard, police said. The tank was eight to 10 feet deep, Steve Vander Woude said.

His father climbed into the 2-by-2-foot opening, managed to get under Joseph and was pushing him upward to keep his head above the sewage. Initially, Vander Woude was able to keep his own head above the muck, telling a workman who was helping from above, “You pull, I’ll push,” Steve Vander Woude said. But he eventually sank and was later pulled out by rescue workers, who were unable to revive him, Prince William County police said.

Joseph, 20, was hospitalized last week with pneumonia but was released Saturday and attended the Mass for his father in a wheelchair, connected to an oxygen tank. His family said doctors expect a full recovery. A few days after his father’s death, Joseph’s family sat with him in the hospital and explained to him that his father had died.

Upon hearing the news, Joseph “sat back . . . he closed his eyes, his chin quivered, and he started crying,” Steve Vander Woude said. “I think he understands as much as he can right now.”

Another of Thomas S. Vander Woude’s sons, Tom Vander Woude, pastor at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Alexandria, gave the homily. In it, he likened his father to Saint Joseph, a man who patiently and quietly supported his family, did odd jobs for those in need and was content to worship God and not seek the limelight, Tom Vander Woude said.

Go here to The Washington Post to read the rest. I can’t think of any better way for a Dad to die. God rest his gallant soul.

Donald R. McClarey

Cradle Catholic. Active in the pro-life movement since 1973. Father of three, one in Heaven, and happily married for 41 years. Small town lawyer and amateur historian. Former president of the board of directors of the local crisis pregnancy center for a decade.

0 0 votes

Article Rating

4 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Paul W Primavera

Monday, April 21, AD 2014 11:41am

This is what a real man does.

It's Still Christian America - God & Caesar

Monday, April 21, AD 2014 11:09pm

[…] 1862 – Michael Peck Where Does Manhood Come From? – Brett McKay, The Art of Manliness Thomas S. Vander Woude: A True Man – Don. R. McClarey JD The Conservative Road to Serfdom? – Peter Lawler, First Things […]

Kim

Tuesday, April 22, AD 2014 1:42am

I played the organ for Mr. Vander Woude’s very well-attended funeral. May angels sing him to his rest.

Botolph

Tuesday, April 22, AD 2014 9:55am

A father who really participated in the Father’s love

Thomas S. Vander Woude: A Name That Deserves to Be Remembered

Donald R. McClarey

Discover more from The American Catholic