Adrian Bernard Vander Griend, 86

Adrian Vander Griend, 86, went to be with the Lord in his sleep early in the morning on Feb. 1, 2015.

Adrian was born on Feb. 13, 1928, in Grand Rapids, Mich., to Cornelius Vander Griend and Grace Peterson Vander Griend. After high school, Adrian was self-employed for many years with his own painting business.

In his early 20s, along with the painting business, Adrian also owned a paint store in Wayland. In his late 30s, Adrian moved to Battle Creek, Mich., out in the country, continuing his paint business and teaching his kids to farm. Then, until he retired, Adrian gave up his painting business and helped manage a large home center in Battle Creek.

The most important job Adrian ever held, however, was to be a great husband to his wife Betty, and a loving father and spiritual leader to his five sons and one daughter.

Adrian enjoyed watching baseball, working around his home, and focusing on the details of making a better quality of life for his family. He spent much of his time reading, studying the Bible, teaching his children about the Lord and was active in the church as a Deacon.

Adrian enjoyed taking his wife Betty to Florida for vacation every year (the children usually stayed with their grandparents, but he occasionally took them in the winter for vacation).

After he retired and his children were grown, Adrian and his wife Betty moved to Florida and spent about 20 wonderful years there until they moved to Idaho to be closer to three of their sons.

One of the most difficult times in Adrian's life was when his only daughter, Sharon, was diagnosed with cancer while visiting them in Florida for his birthday in 2003. After a short and difficult battle with that cancer, Sharon went to be with the Lord.

Adrian experienced much illness and various major surgeries beginning in his 50s which lead to an earlier retirement than he wished, but he didn't waiver in his faith and trust in his Lord and Savior who, even when it seemed impossible to us in both healing and provision, always provided.

Adrian enjoyed 65 years of marriage to Betty Dykstra Vander Griend, and last resided at Garden Plaza in Post Falls, Idaho.

Adrian was preceded in death by his mother and father, Cornelius and Grace; and his daughter, Sharon Vander Griend.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Dykstra Vander Griend; sister Jean Vander Griend Viersen; sons Michael Vander Griend (Jill), Ronald Vander Griend (Valerie), David Vander Griend (Camille), Rick Vander Griend (Jackie) and Tom Vander Griend (Jeanette); grandchildren Lollita Goucher (John), Garrett Vander Griend (Susan), Michael Vander Griend, Marissa Vander Griend, Jacqueline Serrano (Bob), Paul Vander Griend (Lilith), Justin Vander Griend, Jacob Vander Griend, Seth Vander Griend and Kylah Vander Griend; great-grandchildren Adrien, Mason, Ryley, Ella, Liam, Yvette and Hunter; nieces Sally Viersen Middleton (Mike), Barbara Viersen Dyk (David) and Carol Viersen Reyes (Ray); and nephew Jack Viersen.

A service was held on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Garden Plaza to celebrate Adrian's wonderful life. Donations in his memory may to make to the Emmett Paul Synders Foundation, 18341 N. Atlas Road, Rathdrum, Idaho, 83854; www. emmettpaulsnydersfoundation.com.