LaVerne Thomas Kane was born on March 26, 1924 and passed away at home on May 4, 2024 at the age of 100. He always said “I’m going to live to be 100” and he accomplished that amazing goal. LaVerne was born in Buchanan, Michigan and then his family moved to Holland, Michigan where he graduated from Holland High School and remained until his passing.
Vern grew up in a small, close knit neighborhood on West 20th Street where everyone knew and cared about each other. He kept those friends as he grew into a young man and into adulthood. Vern loved the outdoors, boating, hiking, ice boat racing, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting and eventually learning to fly at the age of 65-70. At a young age he started saving for some land of his own. He bought two different properties on the northside of Holland. He eventually built homes on those properties with the help of his brother Alfred who owned his own construction company (Kane Konstruction) All of the “Kane’s” have a mechanical mind and could fix just about anything or at least they would try. A trait that they passed on to their children and grandchildren. Our dad was always “analyzing” everything in work and at home. Think it through first, not impulsive.
As many of you know, Vern loved going to work!!! Not many people can say that but for him it gave him such great joy! He started that work ethic by enlisting in the Army with a few of his neighborhood buddies. He always said “it was the best experience for him.” He was a flight engineer/mechanic on a B-24 bomber. Most likely where he fell in love with flying. He loved his country and all that it stands for, he was so proud to serve and enlist before being drafted. Vern always supported our troops and daily flew the American flag very proudly. When Vern returned home he started in on work right away fixing motors, building an ice boat in his parents basement with his brothers and lots of on the job training that eventually led him to becoming a machinist and starting at Hansen Machine Company where he worked his way up from the bottom. LaVerne was also fortunate enough to work alongside his brother Don, son Shawn and nephews Todd and Craig as well at Hansen Machine. Hansen Machine Company was his love!! He enjoyed every single day there until the day he retired!!!! So many amazing friends and colleagues! Friendships that have lasted a lifetime!
Vern was definitely a family man. His family ameant so much to him. He was a loving, trusted, Son, Brother, Father, Father in law, Grandfather, Uncle, good friend and neighbor. He was always there at a moments notice for whatever you needed. A shoulder to cry on, your confidante, jokester or carrying his toolbox to jump in and fix whatever you needed fixing. Essentially he was our ROCK and patriarch. We will miss you desperately. We thank you for all that you taught us along the way, for being there always and for loving us unconditionally.
The man, the myth, the legend….Vern Kane
LaVerne was preceded in death by his parents, Bernice and Thomas Kane, brother and sister in law Alfred/Lois Kane, sister and brother in law Cereta/Al Veldhuis, daughter Jodi Bruursema , former wife Marlyn Kane, brother and sister in law Tommy/Jim Mooi, and brother in law Bruce Ming . He is survived by his children Shawn Kane, Jamie/Steve Tripp, son in law Larry Bruursema/Jackie Patterson, brother and sister in law Don/Karen Kane, sister in law Karen Ming grandchildren Stephanie/Patrick Marino, Nicole/Kyle Vandenheuvel, Megan/Martin Veliz, Blake/Bryce Borgman, MacKenzie Tripp/Steve Raad, 11 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A graveside service with military honors will take place on Tuesday, May 14 at 11:00am at Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland.
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