What people remember

This is a continuation from the first post . . . To be sure, there are other "messy" people in the mix. A heartfelt thanks to all of Grandpapa's family who made so many allowances, and rearranged their holiday schedules so that he could spend the aforementioned Christmas eve celebration with the VanDykes. That is only one example of the many ways that you were willing to share Vincent's life with us, as well as countless others. Thank you for taking such good care of my friend - a true friend - and for treating him with such love, grace, and dignity. Pardon me, for all those in Grandpapa's family, but it seems your cup overflows . . . in the best way possible.

Gary

Vincent was messy, and I mean that in the best way possible. How could a man so love, and be so proud of each one of his daughters, their spouses, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren, and still have room to love other children so much? In Psalm 23, the psalmist writes, " my cup overflows. Grandpapa had no choice but to be "messy," because his Savior's love filled his cup beyond capacity. That love then spilled onto, and into the lives of others -especially children - with joy that was made full. We received an extra measure of God's blessings through providing Grandpapa's presence during our last four Christmas eve celebrations. Those blessings will surely ripple far into the future of each our each of our nine grandchildren. Can you imagine the smile on his face as he is now reunited with Ann and also in the presence of so many children? And yet, he still retains that very special place in his heart for each of his earthly grandchildren and great grandchildren!

Gary

I got to know Vince at a Walk to Emmaus weekend, probably 20 years ago. We were both electrical engineers and he always said that we had a good “impedence match”. One of my favorite memories is the afternoon we cooked 120 dozen cookies in about 2-1/2 hours for a Kairos prison ministry weekend he was part of. For the last decade we have gotten together every few months for lunch. He especially liked the ice cream cones at Jasons. I will miss our times together, but I know he’ll be in heaven, smiling at me when I get there. Vince is a very special friend. I miss him. I’m glad he recoded his songs. It makes me smile to hear him again.

Chuck Robinson

I first met Vince in 2008 when my Dad was admitted to HOET. What a blessing he was at that time. My grandson's were very small at the time but they still remember him in the halls. Now, in January of 2026 I became a volunteer at HOET. I met Vince one Saturday morning and remembered a time in my life that I really needed him. We became such good friends. We had a special bond with each other that only God could have orchestrated. He has sueh a wonderful family and they as well as I will truly miss him. I did get to spend the last month of his life here on earth with him and it became role reversal. He needed me. I was there for him. I will truly miss this. Thank you to all 3 of his daughters for letting me become a small portion of his family when he needed family the most. He truly left this earth happy. Thank you Vince for all you have done for me.

Johnny Blankenship

My favorite memories of Mr. Vince comes from his beautiful fellowship with my parents, Robin and Ferdinand Boutin. For many years, they all would sing hymns for hours with Mr. Vince playing his guitar in our living room, and he brought so much joy to our family. I am deeply grateful for the friendship that he shared with my Dad, and we all will miss him dearly. I offer my deepest and most sincere condolences to his family, and I have no doubt that he is rejoicing with our Father in Heaven.

Amanda Scott

In their Silver Sneakers era…Vincent and Anne would dance and twirl each other to the music after their exercise class. It wa so delightful to see these two having so much fun together. I loved getting to know them.

Kelly Hudson

As my dad was changing his address to Heaven at HOET, I heard a guitar playing in the hall. I asked if he would come into our room and play 1-2 songs. He did. I’m now putting it together that it had to be Vincent! I cried a little and so did dad. See, my dad played guitar and sang for about 70 of his 92 years. It meant so much to me and to dad. His address changed a week later.

Phil Burks

As a once a week volunteer at HOET, I was blessed to hear “Mr. Vince” singing and smiling in the hallways. His spirit was so contagious and everyone loved him. My friend’s mother was a patient and hadn’t spoken in three days but when she heard his hymns she began singing every word of the song. That really surprised the family. We will see you again in heaven (with your guitar). Deepest sympathy to family.

Patsy Williams

I carry grandpa Piotet’s name with pride. He taught me that loving God requires selfless service to people in need and patience with frustrating things in my life. I never saw him without a smile, and he was always happy to see me and talk about anything I wanted to. He is my biggest inspiration to be joyful in all circumstances.

William Vincent Erlandson

I remember when my dad was in Hospice Of east Texas, I heard the wonderful voice of Vincent, singing in the hallway while playing his guitar. He had such a thick notebook of hymns and songs. I was honored to sing along with him. What a wonderful ministry of Hope and encouragement to the residents and their families. I can’t wait to sing with him again! Big hugs !

J. P. Morris

1. Him walking around the halls of Bethel holding our daughter Sarah to keep her from crying. She was calm with him. 2. Singing with him at Charlie Heaton’s office early on a Thursday morning at Bible Study.

Larry Reeves