Van Vliet, M.D., Peter Grand Rapids, MI Peter David Van Vliet, M.D., loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and child of God was taken home by his Heavenly Father Friday, November 23rd at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his parents, David F. and Gladys Van Vliet and by his in-laws, Henry and Lena Lotterman. He is survived by Audrey, his wife of 62 years; his four sisters, Natalie, Maribeth, Marla, and Audrey; and by his four sons, Mark (Faith), Peter (Debra), Joseph (Julie), and Benjamin (Julia). He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Jenna (Ryan Hulst), Jillian (Nathan Kadau), Mary Grace, and Teddy (Paige), Miles Wickersham (Julie), Laura, Jennifer, David, John, and Paul, and Foster; as well as 3 great-grandchildren: Willow, Theron, and Pieter. Peter was born in Zeeland, MI in 1934 and grew up on Grand Rapids’ west side where his father was principle of West Side Christian School. Peter graduated from Grand Rapids (Central) Christian High School, Calvin College, and Northwestern University Medical School. After returning to Grand Rapids to complete his internship, he spent 2 years in private practice in Cutlerville, MI. In 1962 he and his young family moved to Rochester, MN where Peter completed a 5-year residency in pathology at the Mayo Clinic. In 1967 the family returned once again to Grand Rapids when Peter accepted a position in the pathology department at Butterworth Hospital (now Spectrum Health). During his long career there he served on the hospital Board of Directors for 17 years, and also was elected Chief of the Medical Staff, serving for 4 years. He served on the boards of Pine Rest Christian Hospital, the Grand Rapids Christian Schools, and Camp Roger, as well as President of the Kent County Medical Society. He served on the ad hoc committee for the merger of Butterworth and Blodgett hospitals later becoming vice president of medical affairs at the newly formed Spectrum Health. During his retirement, he and Audrey enjoyed bicycling throughout Europe and gathering with family at Duck Lake. After rediscovering his high school trombone (and Audrey’s clarinet), he played in several local concert, swing, and jazz bands. Peter always said, the best part of all of this was meeting new people and making new friends. It is to all of you, friends, that our family gives thanks. You were a big part of his life. Visitation will be at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, on Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 2-4:00pm and from 6-8:00pm. A private burial will be followed by a memorial service on Monday, Dec. 3, at Brookside Christian Reformed Church, 3600 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508, beginning with a visitation at 1:00pm followed by the service at 2:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to the Brookside Christian Reformed Church Youth Group or Mary Free Bed Hospitala special group of people.