Dr. Andrew J. Vlasman

Article Last Updated; Wednesday, September 23, 2009 12:06AM

Vlasman

Former Durango resident Dr. Andrew J. Vlasman died at his home in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009.

Dr. Vlasman served as a pharmacist's mate in the Navy during World War II. He was stationed on the western Pacific island of New Caledonia.

After the war, he attended University of Texas at Austin under the V-12 Navy College Training Program, where Dr. Vlasman met and married his wife, Marjorie Campbell. He completed his optometric training at Ohio State University in Columbus and practiced briefly in Denver.

The Vlasmans moved to Durango in 1956, where Dr. Vlasman was the first eye-care professional in town to fit contact lenses.

During his 30 years here, he was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Durango, a frequent golfer at Hillcrest Golf Course and a member of numerous city government boards and committees. He also was a member of the Durango Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 507.

The Vlasmans moved to Austin in 1985, where Dr. Vlasman continued to practice until his retirement in 1995.

Dr. Vlasman is survived by his wife, Marjorie Vlasman, of Austin; daughters Laura Vlasman and Leslie Vlasman, both of Austin; and four grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association Research Foundation, 1701 North Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311 or at www.diabetes.org/honor.