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Honoring our long-time Friend and devoted Church and Community member, Bob Vander Meer: January 16, 1930 – May 30, 2024
Robert Charles Vander Meer, 94, went home to the Lord on Thursday, May 30, 2024. His wife
Sharon, son Rob and stepson Charles ask you to join them in celebrating the life of an amazing
man who loved his family completely and dearly, and who enjoyed immensely his work as an
optometrist.
In his 61-year career, he saw countless patients and gained the respect of his peers through his
work as a Member of the New Mexico Optometric Association and as a member of the New
Mexico Board of Optometry.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Katherine Doeksen Vander Meer, and his
brothers Willis and Roy, and his niece Jan Sweetman. He is survived by his wife of 44 years,
Sharon, his son Rob (Heather) of Albuquerque and stepson Charles Bittinger (Cindy) of
Albuquerque, granddaughter Amber Bittinger of Albuquerque and grandson Charles Bittinger of
Chicago and great grandchildren Eli and Lorraine.
Bob graduated from the University of South Dakota and Illinois College of Optometry. While in
the military, he was stationed at Beaumont Hospital in El Paso and later at Holloman Air Force
Base in Alamogordo where he worked with HAM, the chimp who went into space.
Bob was in optometric practice for 61 years, 51 years as an independent practitioner, and 10
years with Eye Associates of New Mexico, where he worked until December of 2015.
He is a former president of the Rotary Club of Las Vegas and was an active member for more
than 55 years.
Among his many accomplishments, Bob served on the New Mexico Board of Examiners in
Optometry for three terms, was president and legislative chair of NMOA and voted Optometrist
of the Year twice, served for 10 years on the Western Interstate Commission in Higher
Education, operated private practice offices in Las Vegas, Clayton and Boise City, Okla., and
worked with the Lions Club of Las Vegas for decades providing free and low-cost eye wear to
children and adults in need.
As a member of First United Presbyterian Church, Las Vegas, he served as an elder, a trustee and
on the financial support committee, and taught adult Christian Education classes.
He very much enjoyed reading and before health issues prevented getting out and about, he loved
having Starbucks coffee with the “boys” at Charlie’s Spic and Span, and travelling with Sharon,
especially to Pismo Beach, Calif.
Doc, as they called him, was grateful for the kindness and compassion of his caregivers Lorenzo
Martinez and Liz Garcia. Their patience and generosity of spirit made getting through his tough
times more manageable. And thanks to Rose Gallegos and Yvonne Saiz who helped in the early
days.
Services will be Wednesday, June 12, 11 a.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church, 1000
Douglas Ave., Las Vegas, NM. Burial will be the following day, Thursday, June 13, 10:30 a.m., at Santa Fe Veterans’ Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the Presbyterian Church or to a
charity of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las
Vegas, N.M. 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-351.
