Thomas Albert Van Buren

Born in 1946, Tom grew up in Jackson, Michigan, the youngest of four boys. After graduating from St. John’s High School in 1964, he attended community college before joining the army in 1966. He served until 1968 during the Vietnam War.

After leaving the army, Tom returned to Jackson and took his first job at a bank. He got married in 1970, and in 1975 they moved to Portland, Michigan, where they welcomed their first daughter, Camille. In 1977, he accepted the job as president at State Savings Bank of Scottville (later West Shore Bank), and the family moved to Scottville, where they added Karin (1978) and Michelle (1979).

Tom made his home in Scottville for more than 30 years, where he was an active member of the community. Among his many achievements, he was a member of the Scottville Optimists, past president of the Scottville Chamber of Commerce, founder the Economic Club of West Michigan, and board member of West Shore Community College, Memorial Medical Center, and the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame.

He was also a member of the Ludington Waterfront Task Force, the Ludington Economic Development Corporation, Mason County Central Bond Committee, and the Scottville Band Shell Committee. His many contributions earned him several recognitions, including Ludington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the year in 2003.

Tom retired from West Shore Bank in 2009 and relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2010. He enjoyed golfing, spending time with his grand kids, and sharing good meals with family and friends. He never met a stranger, loved microphones, and once a friend, he was a friend for life.

Tom is survived by his daughters Camille (Mitch) Gabel, Karin (Matt) Beery, and Michelle (Mark) Morrison; his grandchildren Ella and Miles (Gabel) and Caleb (Morrison); his brothers John (Jean) and David (Audrey); his sister-in-law Pat (Jim); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father (Russell), his mother (Catherine), his step-mother (Lorraine), and his brother (Jim).

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, July 1 from 3- 5 p.m. at Lincoln Hills Golf Club in Ludington, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to West Shore Family Support in Ludington, or give online at supportwsfs.org.