ROCKPORT — Dr. Dirk Bartel Vandersloot of Rockport died May 2, 2014, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He met his cancer diagnosis with an uncommon courage and inspired many with his progressive approach to blending traditional and holistic medicine.

Born in Paterson, N.J., on March 29, 1948, to Peter and Georgia Vandersloot, Dirk attended Salisbury Park High School in Asbury Park, N.J., and graduated from Miramonte High School in Orinda, Calif. He excelled academically and athletically and had a lifelong passion for baseball, football and racquetball. After graduating summa cum laude from Harvard University in 1970, he went on to medical school at UCLA, where he received his doctorate in medicine in 1975.

Dr. Vandersloot completed his family practice residency at Maine Medical Center in 1977 and continued to practice there for nearly a decade. In 1986 he moved to Newburyport, Mass., with his wife, Jean, and daughter, Julia, where he was a physician at Holistic Family Practice.

After 15 years in family medicine, Dr. Vandersloot and his family moved to Midcoast Maine. He started his career in homeopathy in 1993 at The Center for Health and Healing, where he continued to see clients until a week prior to his death.

Dirk's travels around the world inspired him professionally and spiritually. He was passionate about bringing a deeper understanding of illness and the mind-body connection to everyone. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge at numerous seminars including 20 years at the Common Ground Fair.

Dirk was well known for his inquisitive nature, good humor and encyclopedic mind. He was appreciated and respected for his ability to deeply influence those he met. He loved his family fiercely and often spoke of the joys of living life in beautiful Midcoast Maine.

Dr. Vandersloot was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Georgia; and his brother, Dr. Jan Vanderlsoot. He is survived by his wife, Jean Forest of Rockport; their daughter, Julia and her husband, Alex Moeckel, of Atlanta, Ga. He is missed by all, including his siblings, sister Karen and her husband, Gilbert Richards, brother Ralph and his wife, Lucille Vandersloot, sister Diana and her husband, Michael Gilmore, brother James and his wife, Sandi Vandersloot; and his wonderful and accomplished nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 16 at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Camden.

In appreciation of Dr. Vandersloot, his family suggests donations be sent to Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Midcoast Community Chorus or Hope Elephants.