January 31, 1964 – August 17, 2021
Robert Lee VanderPloeg, age 57, of Clear Lake, Texas, passed away on August 17, 2021, in Clear Lake. He was born in 1964 in Tacoma, Washington to parents Robert M. VanderPloeg and Rebecca Toni Navaraz.
Robert grew up in Bellingham, Washington, but has been in Houston for about 40 years and became known as Bobby V. He was a valued member of the catalyst industry since 1983 and a part of the Blackbox Breathing Systems International (formerly known as Edelhoff Technologies) family for the last 15 years. Bobby was a constant in contributing his wealth of knowledge of the use of life support systems in confined space/inert entry applications. He was the driving force behind the BSI and Edelhoff training programs, ensuring that customers were well equipped for the difficult and dangerous tasks they faced daily.
Bobby V was loved throughout whether you’d just met him yesterday or had known him for 20 years. He would think of you in the weeks to come and reach out to you when he came across something that would make you smile. Whatever you needed, Bobby V had a solution for you.
There is so much to be said about his positive outlook on life, his friendship, kindness, generosity and service.
Bobby V is survived by his son, Robert Wayne VanderPloeg (a/k/a Bear or Little Bobby), his Father, Robert M. “Bob” VanderPloeg and wife, Linda Grotzke VanderPloeg, Mother, Rebecca Toni Navaraz, Sisters, Anna Marie McLeary, Luisa Monica Santa Rosa and husband, Milton Lopez-Alas, Cara Connolly and husband, Paul Connolly, Tana Nelson and husband, Bryan Nelson, Stephanie Nash and husband, Matt Nash, Sarah Ruzicka and husband, Tyler Ruzicka, Brothers, Dave Riley Maggard, Erik Grotzke and wife, Kim, Jeff Grotzke and wife, Amy, and Kirk Grotzke and wife, Teresa, numerous nieces and nephews, and lastly, his dog, Ricky Bobby, who he loved so very much.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546, (281) 992-7200, with Rev. Jerry Stark officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made online to the National MS Society (multiple sclerosis) at http://www.nationalmssociety.org in honor of Bobby VanderPloeg.
Condolences may be made to the VanderPloeg family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
6 thoughts on “Robert "Bobby V" VanderPloeg”
We were sad to hear that Bobby passed away last week. There is so much to be said about his positive outlook on life, his friendship, kindness, generosity and service. We first met him in 2014 when he joined our MS Self-help Support Group. Bobby and his little service dogs always made us smile and we were so glad to have them be a part of our MS group.
May the gentle hand of God touch your hearts with peace.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Michael and Debbie Fagan and Bay Area
MS Self-help Support Group Members
Thank you so much for your sympathies.
We are so sad to hear of Bobbys passing. He was a big part of our family as a young boy. Carl and Joann Muenscher spoke well of him often! Our sincere condolences to you all! With love Carl and Penny Muenscher and family!
Bear, Dee & Rich,
Bobby was a good friend, the kind you always want in your life. He opened his home to me and my dog Benny right around COVID shut downs. I first met him as a neighbor after buying my townhouse by his then moved out of states and in coming back to Houston, Bobby really saved the next months for me & Benny.
Bear I know how proud he is of you, he spoke of you often with love.
Dee & Rich,
Thank you so much for getting this all arranged.
I know y’all requested donations to MS and I know several friends that are doing that but I caught the eye of a small arrangement that had a little dog that reminded me of Ricky Bobby, chocolate candies which were a necessity in the fridge, and I couldn’t spring for yellow roses (Texas State Rose) so I think they used carnations. He might not have been born in Texas but he was a Texan in his heart.
He will be missed by all that knew him!
My thoughts & prayers will be with you😇
Debbie, thank you so very much. The flowers were perfect and I noticed the little dog face right off. I am sure Bobby loved it. There were several arrangements and they all went to Edelhoff so the employees could all enjoy them while they lasted, but I did bring yours home and it's on my coffee table and still beautiful. Thank you again for your sympathies.
I just heard of Bobby's passing. I met Bobby on one of my flights. He never complained and never let anything slow him down. He enjoyed riding his bike with his little dog tucked inside his jacket. May he rest in peace