Obituary for Gerritt Henry Vander Veer Jr.
SPRUCE HEAD- Gerritt Henry Vander Veer, Jr, 87, passed away at his home on November, 12, 2022.
Born in New London, Connecticut, on November 20, 1934, he was the son of Gerritt and Alice Dougan Vander Veer. The oldest of four brothers, he often wondered how his mother survived taking care of four boys attending all of their sporting events, sibling rivalry and pranks.
Gerritt was a graduate of Mount Herman Class of 1953, then went on to receive a BA from Brown University, majoring in history and international relations Class of 1957. Soon after, he proudly went on to serve in the US
Army until he fulfilled his obligation, then continued to pursue his career in business.
He went on to a 25-year corporate career including Mass Mutual for 8 years, John Hancock for 2 years; then on
to MetLife, where he spent 15 years in many positions, from strategic planning management to human resource
management. After his long stint in the corporate world Gerritt and his family then decided to move to
Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This is where Gerritt spent 17-years as the owner and CEO of Snowden
Association as one of the leading regional outplacements, executive coaching business in New England.
Not only was Gerritt a very successful businessman, he actively pursued his interest in serving the community
through Rotary International, United Way, Youthlinks, and Broadreach.
In 2001, Gerritt and Toni retired to Spruce Head, Maine. They enjoyed sailing his Cal-39 up and down the east
coast, tennis, fishing and many trips abroad. They became involved in the Rockland Yacht Club, which they
enjoyed very much.
He is predeceased by his first wife Judy Vander Veer, his son Ritt Vander Veer and his brother Robert Vander
Veer. He is survived by his wife Toni; his daughter Pamala Lake and partner Jeff Nevin; two grandsons, Connar
and Dylan Lake; stepdaughters, Kimberly and Kristin Lambert; two brothers, Richard and Paul Vander Veer.
Those who wish to share a memory or story with Gerritt’s family can do so on their Book of Memories at
bchfh.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. Rockland.
Born in New London, Connecticut, on November 20, 1934, he was the son of Gerritt and Alice Dougan Vander Veer. The oldest of four brothers, he often wondered how his mother survived taking care of four boys attending all of their sporting events, sibling rivalry and pranks.
Gerritt was a graduate of Mount Herman Class of 1953, then went on to receive a BA from Brown University, majoring in history and international relations Class of 1957. Soon after, he proudly went on to serve in the US
Army until he fulfilled his obligation, then continued to pursue his career in business.
He went on to a 25-year corporate career including Mass Mutual for 8 years, John Hancock for 2 years; then on
to MetLife, where he spent 15 years in many positions, from strategic planning management to human resource
management. After his long stint in the corporate world Gerritt and his family then decided to move to
Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This is where Gerritt spent 17-years as the owner and CEO of Snowden
Association as one of the leading regional outplacements, executive coaching business in New England.
Not only was Gerritt a very successful businessman, he actively pursued his interest in serving the community
through Rotary International, United Way, Youthlinks, and Broadreach.
In 2001, Gerritt and Toni retired to Spruce Head, Maine. They enjoyed sailing his Cal-39 up and down the east
coast, tennis, fishing and many trips abroad. They became involved in the Rockland Yacht Club, which they
enjoyed very much.
He is predeceased by his first wife Judy Vander Veer, his son Ritt Vander Veer and his brother Robert Vander
Veer. He is survived by his wife Toni; his daughter Pamala Lake and partner Jeff Nevin; two grandsons, Connar
and Dylan Lake; stepdaughters, Kimberly and Kristin Lambert; two brothers, Richard and Paul Vander Veer.
Those who wish to share a memory or story with Gerritt’s family can do so on their Book of Memories at
bchfh.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. Rockland.