Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

The Life of Alan John Vandendriessche

On September 15, 2023, the vibrant and storied life of Alan John Vandendriessche, age 72 of Annapolis, Maryland, ended peacefully, with the utmost dignity, and full of those that loved him most.

He was a great many things to a great many people. As a loving and devoted husband, a wonderful father and grandfather, a lifelong friend, a respected colleague, a formidable opponent, and a leader in all his endeavors, Alan always left a lasting impression. He was a warrior of life, never one to accept anything was impossible, bending and even breaking the rules when it made sense, and refusing to give up the fight, even to his final breath.

Over his esteemed professional journey he mastered many career and educational pursuits. From working in a car body shop, to managing a grocery store and selling real estate, Alan ended his accomplishments in a senior leadership role at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), a position for which he was grateful, though it required him to commute hours each day from Annapolis to northern Virginia on public transport and with the helping hand of a wonderful neighbor. Through the Seeing Eye, Inc., Alan received two service dogs, Ted and then Elmer, who assisted in making his career possible, as well as, at times, adventurous, whenever the occasional pigeon piqued their canine instincts.

In addition to his career, he had many other impressive and endearing pursuits. He was an amateur aviator and an accomplished comedian for those that knew him best. Through the Hadley School for the Blind, he learned the skill of reading Braille and made strong strides in the Spanish language. Later, Alan attempted to master several rock classics on the guitar and he prioritized learning how to play Happy Birthday for his grandchildren. Further, he was a voracious reader of the news and historical literature. He also served as chair of the Anne Arundel County Disability Commission, championing for important changes and efforts to advance the quality of life for those living with a variety of disabilities. As a journalist once said, there was never a “dis” in his “ability.”

Alan not only earned his Bachelor Degree from The University of Maryland, but, he later went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix while working full time and balancing the needs of a young, growing and boisterously busy family.

The leading man in the greatest love story many of us will ever know, he was just weeks away from his 46th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Meredith Vandendriessche, by whom he is survived. This special bond set the bar for his children and their spouses, Kristen and Jose Umana, Liz Vandendriessche, and John Vandendriessche and Kaitlin Scanlin, who all will warmly hold dear, and carry forward, the story of Binky and Alan.

And though his life has concluded, the wisdoms he bestowed and character he personified never will. His sweet, spirited and brilliant grandchildren — Maxwell, Nora, Leighton, Constance, William, John (Jack), Alice and Leo — will grow up knowing of and learning from their adored Rock Pot, and will embody his ethos for generations to come.

You battled brilliantly, courageously and victoriously. Today, it is time for you to rest peacefully, and know we will love you endlessly, Alan, Dad, Rock Pot, Uncle Al, but above and beyond, our warrior hero.

And now, he would have ended it best, and with the most affection, a hint of jest and mischief, and complete gratitude, “let’s get out of here.”

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial offered at St John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road Annapolis, MD 21401 on September 29, 2023 at 10:30 am. In lieu flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Seeing Eye-Guide Dogs for the Blind P.O. Box 375 Morristown, NJ 07963-0375




Alan J. Vandendriessche

Alan J. Vandendriessche

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