VanGraafeiland, Allan T

Allan T VanGraafeiland of Fairport.   passed away suddenly on July 30th 2021.

He was born on April 13th 1950. He is the son of Harold and Marcella VanGraafeiland.

He is survived by his ex wife and dear friend Jean Lindsay. His son Joshua VanGraafeiland, his daughter Jessie VanGraafeiland Burcume, his son in law Thomas Burcume Jr, his granddaughter Joscelyn Burcume, his sister Kathy Hine, his brother in law William Hine, His nieces and nephews Amanda Hine (Anthony Rotoli), Emily ( Jai) Hine Keicher. , and David (Deanna) Hine, and many great nieces and nephews.

Allan was a man of many interests. He loved reading especially about history. He was always reading a historical nonfiction book he purchased after browsing the bookstore. He  enjoyed writing poetry. He loved football and was an avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts. He enjoyed quiet time with a good book or listening to his favorite musician Bob Dylan.

He loved spending time at his favorite park with his beloved dog Roscoe. He enjoyed swimming and lounging by the pool as always with a book. Allan was the best dad. He loved going on family vacations and day trips every summer  with his family. He loved the holidays and always made them special for his family.

Allan absolutely loved being a grandpa. He lit up when he was with his granddaughter and she lit up when she was with him. They had a very special, loving bond. Allan had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to joke around. He was an intelligent, kind man who was an amazing father grandfather, and friend. He will be greatly missed. 

” You have to work out where your place is. And who you are. But we’re all spirit. That’s all we are, we’re just walking dressed up in a suit of skin, and we’re going to leave that behind.”-Bob Dylan

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to ST Judes Children’s Foundation as the charity of choice in Allan’s memory


Comments

5 responses to “VanGraafeiland, Allan T”

  1. Cousin Kathy Halpin Hartman Avatar
    Cousin Kathy Halpin Hartman

    If you were with Allan, you were smiling! Just wanted you to be happy. A truly great guy!

  2. Maureen Halpin Gnage Avatar
    Maureen Halpin Gnage

    Al lit up a room everytime he entered. A fun humerous man full of laughs. I remember climbing the Buffalo Hill at the old zoo with him and Kathy. Loved him dearly and I could see from the pictures in this great triibute that he was so happy with his granddaughter. Bless your soul cousin!
    Loved

  3. Cousin Janet Heinrich scotto Avatar
    Cousin Janet Heinrich scotto

    Thinking and praying for Allan’ s family through this difficult journey. Growing up with the cousins and remembering Allan”s great sense of humor. Sending love and prayers to your family. Rest in peace Al!!

  4. Richard and JoAnne Huber Avatar
    Richard and JoAnne Huber

    we have been Friends with Al and Jean many years going back to our days working at Eastman Kodak and later moving to ITT , we shared vacations and many nights out. Al was a well read insightful person who love to laugh and have a good time. We will miss our friends .

  5. Jessie E Burcume Avatar
    Jessie E Burcume

    Dad, I don’t know why I came here to reread your obituary. It does not seem real that you are gone. I miss you and love you so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the most amazing dad a girl could ask for. I want you to know how much Joscelyn loves you. Every time you walked into the room she would start giggling and smiling and speed crawl to you. You were the best grandpa. You were a natural at it. I am so thankful for the time she had with you. I just wish we had more time.