Lynn Vermeulen • September 6, 1944 – September 6, 2024
A Clark Legend has passed away. Lynn Vermeulen, recently under hospice care, departed Thursday afternoon at 3:48 pm. In his last days, he told those around him that he intended to make it to his 80th birthday. He succeeded.
Lynn was known far and wide as the owner of Vermeulen Furniture and several Lazy Boy stores in the state of Michigan. And at Clark Lake? To those growing up here, Lynn was a waterski hero. Many can remember his endless practice runs through the slalom course, as he was towed behind his parent’s Chris Craft, expertly driven by his mother, Helen. His outstanding athleticism and dedication led to winning countless tournaments and receiving accolades all over the world. He also mentored his twin sisters Linda and Kay. To read about Kay’s incredible waterski journey, please click here.
In addition to outstanding slalom performances, Lynn’s trick run was hard to beat.
A member of the Michigan Water Ski Hall of Fame, Lynn was always on hand to congratulate new inductees. Lynn is shown here with Jon Broderick at the time Jon was inducted.
Lynn never left undone interesting challenges. He was an ardent Fleet 58 sailor. He was a consistent top competitor at a time when Fleet 58 had more Hobies at Clark Lake than any other U.S. inland lake.
How did Lynn do in the Fleet 58 Reunion and Regatta i 2014? Click here for more.
His friends will also tell you he was an avid outdoorsman whether that took him to bear hunting in Canada or fishing expeditions on the Great Lakes.
He was father to Maggie and Nate, who survive him. Lynn lost his wife, Patty Bisbee previously. Nate now operates the businesses.
Lynn, and son, Nate.
Thursday evening, neighbors in their cove lowered flags to half-mast, and lit up the shoreline with luminaries, on loan from Raft-O-Rama. Here’s a view from the lake.
Details associated with Lynn’s passing will be forthcoming, as well as an expanded exploration of Lynn Vermeulen’s life.
