HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Rev. John Van Lierop turns 101

West Seattle has a new centenarian-plus! The announcement and photo are from John Van Lierop, Jr.:

Rev. John Van Lierop, Sr., a resident of The Kenney‘s Memory Unit these last 8 years, reached his 101st birthday today. His son, John, Jr., picked up his chocolate birthday cake at the grocery store this morning. As luck would have it, the cake slid out of the grocery cart, smearing the birthday greetings on the cake. John, Jr. went back to the baker to see if anything could be done. The baker was able to re-ice the greeting and even though it wasn’t perfect-looking, it was acceptable. John Jr. knows that this incident would have been an excellent subject for one of his Father’s sermons. It could be titled “The Redeemed Birthday Cake.” Rev. Van Lierop’s message would probably have said “Life can give us heavy blows at times, but we pick up the pieces and keep on going.” Amen, preacher!

18 Replies to "HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Rev. John Van Lierop turns 101"

  • KT October 27, 2022 (4:41 pm)

    Happy Personal New Year!  What a lovely photo.  Made me smile.

  • RLV October 27, 2022 (4:55 pm)

    Happy birthday!

  • Buddy October 27, 2022 (7:15 pm)

    Happy Birthday! I liked your message about life! Enjoy looking at the beautiful fall leaves changing colors.  When life gives you lemons, then make lemonade. Have a wonderful day!

  • Martha Valasek October 28, 2022 (5:12 am)

    We send our greetings and birthday wishes for a blessed year. Sending our love from Tennessee!

  • Micheala Hoppe October 28, 2022 (1:12 pm)

    Reverend Van Lierop could always find a way to turn an event into a sermon!  He is a remarkable man and I always enjoyed my conversations with him.  Happy Birthday Rev!Love and Blessings,  Micheala

  • Mary Jo smith October 28, 2022 (3:14 pm)

    John what a wonderful thing!  101…wow!from Mary Jo Smith

  • Carolyn A Larson October 28, 2022 (4:36 pm)

    John,
    Happy Birthday to your father!! Nice picture and message. Thanks for sharing both the picture and message. Carolyn

  • Yee and family October 28, 2022 (6:30 pm)

    Hi John, So nice to hear from you. Happy 101th Birthday to your father. That is awesome 101yo, wow. Beautiful picture and message. Thank you for sharing. Best wishes, Yee and family.

  • Ammi Hernandez October 29, 2022 (10:30 am)

    Happy birthday Mr. Van Lierop Sr.God bless you!

  • Robert M. Rude October 29, 2022 (2:12 pm)

    Happy birthday! John.Nice picture.  Brings back fond memories of Le and I’s wedding and 25-year renewal of vows, as well as activities I spent with John Van Lierop after I returned from Viet Nam.Robert and Le Rude

  • Susan October 29, 2022 (9:24 pm)

    Blessed Birthday to such a gentle man I knew as a child lov your niece Susan VL

  • Lee Cronbach October 29, 2022 (10:38 pm)

    Happy birthday John Sr – and congratulations on taking such good care of your father, John Jr! What a magnificent you have fulfilled the Fifth Commandment!

    • John Van Lierop., Jr November 1, 2022 (2:55 pm)

      Thanks for your kind words, Lee. I appreciate receiving your performance videos every so often . As you very well know that music keeps us going!Shalom,jVL

  • Berlena Brock October 30, 2022 (8:21 pm)

    I will be playing for all Memory Care Birthdays Tuesday at 3:00 in Community Room 2 where Danette will be bringing  everyone for their celebration. It is always neat to see your father every Tuesday in their hall before they go to their Dinner. He is always clapping his hands and smiling as I play old time music. Blessings to you for having such a wonderful father. I always remember working  with him as an Activity Director when he was the Kenney Chaplain.  Berlena Brock

  • Paul & Lan October 31, 2022 (6:45 am)

    Happy birthday John Sr.  John Jr, It is a beautiful picture of father and son still going strong good health at 101 birthday.  God blesses both of you.  Paul & Lan 

  • Jennifer McCoy October 31, 2022 (10:54 am)

    Happy Birthday to Rev. Van Lierop.

  • Mary McAuley Post November 1, 2022 (6:34 am)

    Happy Belated Birthday to Rev. Van Lierop.  I still remember attending the Bible classes during the weekday at Hope Presbyterian church when I was a kid.  Thanks for being such a great part of our neighborhood!

    • John Van Lierop, Jr November 2, 2022 (1:26 pm)

      Thanks, Mary, for your memories of the Released Time  weekly Bible studies at the old Hope Church. Of course, since I was the minister’s son, I had to attend these classes. But years later I have appreciated  how it helped me to grow in my  faith. Keep me posted of any future Vestal School  reunions. God Bless!john Van Lierop, Jr

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