Michelle Coder
My sweet grandpa, Orville Clark Vanderlip passed away peacefully at our home before Christmas Eve. He was 109 years young. As I begin the New Year reviewing his life through family photos and memorabilia from over a hundred years ago, I realize how much his quiet wisdom, humor, traditional values and unconditional love shaped my life. I look into his younger eyes, the laughing young farm boy, the dapper young man with his Model T, the young father and grandfather, searching for who he was. Replaying every interaction, I’m comforted in the knowledge grandpa knew I loved him. This last year, he would ask me on a daily basis who I was and I would say I’m your grand daughter, Shelly. He would take my hand and with a twinkle in his eye reply, “Oh, yes, I love you.” I would smile back and say, “I love you too grandpa”.
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Lisa Moore
My condolences to your family, Michelle. Your grandpa was a force of Nature. I was beginning to think he was immortal! 
1
Joe Krulder
I’m so sorry! Warm wishes sent your way
1
Amy Alexander Forstrom
So sorry to hear of your loss, Michelle. What a treasure to have had him in your life for so long. I remember him coming to many plays and programs at Music and More—Such supporting, loving grandparents! Much love to you and your wonderful family! You have all had an incredible impact in my life.
1
Jennifer Hunt Skaggs
Hugs. What an amazing life he lived.
1
Joseph S. Spann
So sorry for your loss...an amazing lifetime shared with you!
1
Sue Woodard
I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. I have enjoyed your photos and stories about him. Much love and lots of hugs honey.
1
David Thorp
Thank you for sharing about a remarkable person.
1
Matt Rector
I celebrate a life well lived with you Michelle Coder and sending you and yours our best wishes and strength in this stressful time.
2
Amy K. Alward
What a beautiful shared story you all have—precious beyond words. Sorry for your loss, but comforted by this incredible journey. Prayers for peace for all and comfort and solace in the face of grief.
2
Jenny Trogdon
So grateful for his presence in your lives, Michelle. I know you will miss him. What a wonderful love you all shared!
2
Holly Thomson DiClaudio
Wow! 109! Amazing.
What a beautiful life. Thanks for sharing. I’m sorry it was time to say goodbye to your grandfather.
2
Lori Jossart
I love that quote" a life well lived" or "a celebration of life". Celebrating the love and memories you have for your grandpa. I loved to hear the stories of his amazing life. What a life he had filled with your love and care. I also lost someone dear close to Christmas when Savvy was just one and it was hard. Not only that they are gone but the holiday season will always hold that memory of your last days together. We send our love to your family in this time of loss. What an amazing man your grandpa was. 109 what a blessing for you all.
2
Mary Brinkley
Thank you so much for sharing his photos! We send our love and hugs.
1
Mary Anne Hughes Davis
What an amazing life well lived! I am sorry for your pain and loss. You always spoke of him with so much love and admiration. I'm sure it was returned.
1
Mary D'Amour
Hugs! looks like he was a wonderful man! Sorry for your loss!
looks like he was a wonderful man! Sorry for your loss!2
Martha Reyneveld
So sorry, what a wonderful man and what a legacy...
2
Debbie Bridgers Voelker
So sorry for your loss, but what a wonderful long life he had.
2
Nancy Engen-Wedin
Shelly - Thank you for sharing this. I think that “twinkle” in his eye was one of his most endearing characteristics! I was going to mention it to you, if you hadn’t already brought it up!
3
Linda Salsman
Not only the "twinkle" , but the little chuckle that was his laugh. That was Orville.
3
Michelle Coder
Love to all of you in the New Year.
2
Russell Deutch
An amazing life to celebrate. I also celebrate how amazing your family has been to care for and love him.
1
Kay Coder replied
2 Replies
Marvin Marvski Fowler
109? Good lord, blessed life for SURE Michelle.
2
Nancy Latham
I am sorry for your loss. Praying for you and his other family and friends.
2
Qi-Qing Gao
Truly a testomony of family love and legacy! May the journey continue with the spirit of Love!
2
Jeanette Blakeney
1