A Life of Faith and Service
Seraphic Fire mourns the loss of our beloved board member and friend, Mel VanderBrug, who passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Mel was a man of deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering generosity. A resident of both Michigan and Florida, he built a family, several companies, and countless relationships that reflected his commitment to living a life of service.
Mel gave his time and talents to his church, his community, and organizations he cared about deeply, including Junior Achievement and Habitat for Humanity. And above all, he absolutely loved Seraphic Fire, calling our concerts the highlight of his winter season in Florida. Those who knew him often spoke of his ability to make the world around him better than he found it. He leaves behind his wife, Barbara, and an extended family who adored him. He will be missed by all who crossed his path.
A Patron and Champion of the Arts
Mel and Barbara first attended a Seraphic Fire concert more than a decade ago, not knowing then that the experience would become one of the defining joys of their winters in Naples. He often recalled that first concert, describing the goosebumps he felt as the voices of the ensemble filled the sanctuary:
“The concert began with a soprano and an alto processing down the aisle singing the gospel song, Where We Never Grow Old. As more voices joined, the sound grew until the entire choir was there. It was stunning. I whispered to my cousin, ‘This must be what heaven is like.’”
From that moment forward, Mel and Barbara never missed a Seraphic Fire concert. Year after year, they called our performances the musical highlight of their season in Florida. They relished the variety of programming, from festive Christmas concerts to challenging and expressive works that spoke to the heart of the choral tradition.
Music of the Passion
This past March, Seraphic Fire had the privilege of presenting Music of the Passion, a concert generously sponsored by Mel and Barbara. It was his dream project, one born from a lifetime of singing and a deep love for the music of the Lenten season. At Moorings Presbyterian in Naples, FL, Mel addressed a packed church of nearly 600 people that afternoon, speaking with sincerity and courage. In his remarks to the audience, Mel shared how this music had grown more meaningful over the decades, particularly after Good Friday services and Holy Week performances.
“The genius of composers writing expressive music that intensifies the deep theological truths of the words just spoke to me, and they still speak to me, because this is what I believe, and this is where all my hope lies,” he said.
When Mel first imagined the concert, he was facing an advanced cancer diagnosis. Specialists offered treatment but little expectation of long-term survival. Yet on that afternoon, Mel stood before hundreds, giving thanks for the chance to experience the concert alongside his family.
“Not one of those doctors would have predicted that I would be here today,” he told the audience. “And so it is a special thrill for me and my family that we can experience this concert together. Here I am, and thanks be to God.”
A Lasting Legacy
Mel VanderBrug’s faith, generosity, and vision left a permanent mark on Seraphic Fire. His belief in the power of music to uplift, heal, and inspire will continue to shape our work for years to come. We are grateful for his leadership on our board, for his steadfast support, and for the love he and Barbara shared with our community.
As we begin our 2025–26 season, we will carry Mel’s memory with us in every performance. We will also dedicate our first concert in Naples to him on Thursday, November 13, at 7:00 pm at Moorings Presbyterian in Naples. His life reminds us that music is more than notes and rhythms, it is a gift that brings people together, deepens faith, and offers hope. It is fitting to remember his favorite words, “KEEP HOPE ALIVE!”, which capture the spirit with which he lived.
On behalf of the Seraphic Fire family, we extend our deepest condolences to Barbara and the VanderBrug family. Mel will be remembered always with gratitude, admiration, and love.
