About Robert VanderLaan
Lived 1930 – 2015 (aged 85). Robert VanderLaan was an American lawyer and politician.
Robert "Robbie" VanderLaan (June 4, 1930 – November 1, 2015 ) was a former majority leader of the Michigan State Senate. A Republican, he ran to replace Gerald Ford as representative for Michigan's 5th congressional district in a 1974 special election, but was defeated by Democrat Richard Vander Veen. It was seen as a stunning upset; VanderLaan had previously never lost an election and the district had long been considered a Republican stronghold. He served in the Senate for 20 years in total; after retirement he joined Democrat Bobby Crim in forming a lobbying firm; he also had a career as a lawyer.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Robert VanderLaan's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Robert VanderLaan's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Robert VanderLaan?
American politician
When was Robert VanderLaan born?
Robert VanderLaan was born on 4 June 1930 in Kentwood.
When did Robert VanderLaan die?
Robert VanderLaan died on 1 November 2015.
What was Robert VanderLaan's occupation?
Robert VanderLaan was a lawyer and politician.
What nationality was Robert VanderLaan?
Robert VanderLaan was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Robert VanderLaan
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Robert VanderLaan. https://biography.guide/robert-vanderlaan/
MLA: "Robert VanderLaan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/robert-vanderlaan/.
Chicago: "Robert VanderLaan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/robert-vanderlaan/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:18 UTC