Jeffrey John Van Yperen

Date of birth  - May 4, 1957

Date of death  - May 6, 2018

Jeffrey John Van Yperen left for his next great adventure, surrounded by family and friends.

Jeff was born May 4, 1957 to John H. Van Yperen and Earlene Critchfield, in Lachapelle, France. Jeff lived his life, like a song. He taught himself to play guitar. He sang and played guitar his entire life. Growing up in Molalla Oregon, Jeff found lifelong friends, played football and made life fun. He was “The Music Man” and lead in many musicals, always singing, laughing and bringing joy wherever he went. Jeff served a mission in French speaking Brussels, Belgium.

Jeff completed his BA at BYU. He enjoyed and excelled during his career in marketing. He taught at risk students and had various positions using his fluent French. He never abandoned his love of music. He wrote original songs, made several records, and did several USO tours, sharing his talents with our troops around the world.

Wherever life took Jeff, his talents and infectious sense of humor meant he always found others who loved music as much as he did. In these situations, Jeff naturally became their lead singer, guitarist, and leader.

More than anything, Jeff loved and was proud of his children. He never had a conversation that did not mention one or more of his talented, intelligent, accomplished, beautiful children. Jeff is survived by sons: Jeffrey John & Emily; Ryan & Kristine; Tucker & Amy; Morgan & Ashley and young daughter: Rikelle Van Yperen. Grandchildren: Gabriel, Garrett, Nicholas, Noelle; Simon, Carmen, Alex, Lucy; Jillian, Cooper, Andrew and Josie. Mother, Melba Earlene English. Father, John Henry Van Yperen (who preceded him in death in Nov. 2016). Sisters: Dina & Ken Weiss; Lisa & David Crandall; Jaylene & Terry Bowers; Teresa Dean. Little Brother: George & Heidi Van Yperen, nieces and nephews, aunts, uncle, cousins, and lifelong friends, Tracy Ham & Richard Hutchison.

Paraphrasing one of Jeff’s favorite songs,

The leader of the band is gone, his blue eyes now are closed.

His blood ran through his instrument, his song was in his soul.

We all loved the father, the brother, the son, the friend.

Though he’s moved along, he’ll always be: The leader of the band.