It is with a heavy heart that I share this message. On Saturday, October 10, my former business partner, Jeffrey Vander Weele, whom I worked with for 15 years, passed away after a battle with cancer.
Jeff hired me as the receptionist at Oppenheimer & Co. when I was taking evening classes at GVSU and working full-time at LMCU. My start, and much of my growth in wealth management and investment consulting, are largely thanks to him and the many peers and mentors I had along the way. From there, I became Jeff’s financial assistant, then operations manager, and eventually a partner in the Vander Weele | Stewart Group, which later became Blueway Financial Partners.
We worked many long days together with our team, serving our clients. Over those years, there was laughter, tears, celebrations, and defeats. Jeff supported me as I graduated from college, got married, had my two children, and went through my divorce. I am deeply grateful for all he taught me.
My heart goes out to Jeff’s family, his Raymond James team, clients, and colleagues. He left this earth too soon.
Anytime we lose someone who impacted our lives, we grapple with our own mortality and how precious every day is. Let this be a gentle nudge to slow down, tell the people who matter to you how much they mean to you, and not take tomorrow for granted.
In Jeff’s memory, I will make a donation to each of the nonprofit organizations we had the privilege of serving together. He cared deeply for every one of them. His family has asked that memorial contributions be made to Olivia’s Gift or Faith Hospice / Trillium Woods.
Jeff, may you rest in peace, reunited with your brother, Randy, whom you spoke of fondly, and your mother, Phyllis, whom I was blessed to know.
~Melissa
Jeff's obituary, including service and memorial details, is available here.