Jeffrey Van Den Top

  Jeffrey Van Den Top, longtime resident of Mount Vernon, quietly passed away at home on Nov. 4, 2015, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was 64 years old.
  Jeff was the second of five children born to Ellen and the late Andrew Van Den Top. He was faithfully raised in the Protestant Reformed Church and educated in Lynden Christian Schools. He trained in carpentry at 16 years old, leading to nearly 50 years in the industry where he gave numerous people the opportunity that launched their careers. He gave employment to those that needed it, and passed on his work ethic and his eye for detail.
  In 1989, Jeff met Melinda, who would become his wife. Over the years they built a beautiful park-like estate and world-class sporting clays course, which he continually dreamed of improving. They entertained largely and loved each other deeply. Melinda was by his side and cared for Jeff throughout his illness, meeting his every need.
  Jeff’s passion for the shooting sports lives on in the ranges he was instrumental in building and rebuilding over the past 30 years, in the hearts, minds and trophy cabinets of those he coached and in the halls of fame. Those fortunate enough to be influenced by his philosophy of being “calm, sure and confident” continue to honor him in reaching their own goals.
  Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Andrew.
  He is survived by his devoted wife, Melinda, at the family home; mother Ellen of Lynden; brother Loren (Carolyn); sisters Viney (Vernon), Marilyn and Kim (Ernie); and their children Dorie, Camrin (Misha), Kari (Doug), Andrew (Breena) and Shelby; 22 grandchildren; as well as a large extended family. His humorous and generous nature lives on through them.
  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, beginning at 2 p.m. in Emmanuel Baptist Church of Mount Vernon, with a reception to follow.
  Flowers are appreciated. Donations in Jeff’s memory may be made to Washington Youth Education in Shooting Sports, a 501c3 nonprofit, through Mike Musga, WAYESS treasurer, at 253-569-6828; or to the trust which allowed for the compassionate care received by Jeff and his family in his final days, the Linda Bollinger Charity Fund, c/o C.F. Knappe, trustee, at P.O. Box 246, Clear Lake, WA 98235.
  Please share your thoughts of Jeff and sign the online book of memories at www.whidbeymemorial.com.
  Arrangements are under the care of Whidbey Memorial, Oak Harbor.