Roger Jack Van Dyke

Long time Royal Oak resident Roger Jack Van Dyke, age 90, passed on to his heavenly home on September 10, 2016 at Beaumont Hospice with loving family at his side during his final days. Roger is survived by June, his beloved wife of 61 years. Roger and June were blessed with 3 daughters who have survived Roger - Linda (Steve) Haubert of Sylvania OH, Marcia (Don) Trevarthen of Plymouth MN and Karen (Ken) Knister of Cascade MI. He is also survived by his sister, 5 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his brother and a grandson. A proud "greatest generation" veteran of World War II, and an even prouder graduate of the University of Michigan, Roger grew up in Grand Rapids, MI. Fascinated by a house floor plan he saw in his arithmetic book, he decided in 6th grade he wanted to be an architect. But first he chose to serve his country by enlisting in the Army Air Force at age 17, becoming a B-29 bomber remote control turret mechanic, stationed in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he entered the University of Michigan architectural program. Following graduation, he was employed by several companies including Cunningham-Limp, the Urban Transportation Development Corporation, and Beaumont Hospital. His favorite career projects were designing a temporary visitor exhibit on the grounds of the Washington Monument to celebrate the 1976 Bicentennial, a Borden meat processing plant in Puerto Rico, and the People Mover in Detroit. In 1953 he met June while on a triple date - but they were not originally each other's dates! Following the evening, Roger asked June to attend a U of M Homecoming game and fraternity party, and she accepted. The rest is history - they married in 1955. Over the years, he enjoyed time with family, traveling, playing bridge, working out at the YMCA, singing with the King's Men Choir, cheering for the Wolverines, writing poetry, and satisfying his sweet tooth. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Royal Oak for 45 years. Visitation will be on Friday, September 16, 2016 from 4-8 pm at William Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (4 blocks east of Woodward) Royal Oak, MI 48067. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 11 am at First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, 529 Hendrie Blvd, Royal Oak, Michigan 48067, with visitation one hour before. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, The Beaumont Foundation (please specify Beaumont Hospice), 3711 W. Thirteen Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48073, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Roger Jack Van Dyke

February 6, 1926 - September 10, 2016