Mendel Keith Vandine

Mendel Keith Vandine passed away on Aug. 16, 2015, peacefully with family by his side. He was born in Pasco, Wash. to Clarence Elgin Vandine and Opal Mae Phillips on Feb. 2, 1948. He moved to Cheney, Wash. in 1968 and worked at Ratcliff Ford to 1971 and that is when he started with the city of Cheney. Mendel was also a volunteer fire fighter for the city and Spokane County Fire District 3 from 1969 – 1979.

In 1970 he married Kristy Smith and they had Tammie in 1973 and Heath in 1979. Mendel and Kristy divorced in 1993. He retired from the city of Cheney in the water department as water supervisor in 1995.

Mendel was an avid hunter and fisherman. If you couldn't find him at his house he would either be driving around out on the back roads scouting for wildlife, with his friends fishing, or just hanging out at his son's place.

Mendel was preceded in death by both of his parents and his brothers, Jerry and Glen Mowery. He is survived by his dog and companion, Sadie, his sisters Margie (Gene) Graves of Kennewick, Wash. and Linda (Tom) Halverson of Kennewick. Also, his daughter Tammie Anderson of Cheney, his son Heath (Jennifer) Vandine and his grandkids Krystal Vandine, Colten Vandine, Aubree Vandine and Mya Anderson.

Mendel didn't care for funeral services so instead the family is having a party in his honor on Sept. 26, 2015 at noon at his son's house. All that knew him are more than welcome to attend and share in the stories of his wonderful life and adventures.

Please RSVP to Heath Vandine, (509) 993-2569, 13701 W. Medical Lake-Four Lakes Road, Cheney, WA 99004.