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GUS BEEK Obituary
GUS WILLARD VAN BEEK (Age 90)
Curator of Old World Archaeology in the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution.Died on Monday, August 20, 2012. His previous marriages to Dorothy Bystrom and to Alice Colyn Warren ended in divorce. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ora Van Beek of Pittsburgh, PA; three sons from his second marriage, John and Stephen of Fairfax Station, VA and Christopher of Lorton Station, VA; six grandchildren; and three stepchildren, Amir, Daniel, and Timna Pilch. Funeral Service at The Village at Rockville Chapel, 9701 Veirs Drive, Rockville, MD, on Sunday, August 26, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. with Interment to follow at Parklawn Memorial Park, Rockville, MD. Contributions in his memory may be made to Johns Hopkins University, Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Office of External Affairs, Attn: Dan Luperchio, 3400 N. Charles St., Wyman Building, Suite 500W, Baltimore, MD 21218. Please make note that the gift should be designated to the William Foxwell Albright Chair in Memory of Gus Van Beek. Or online krieger.jhu.edu/giving and write "Albright Chair in Memory of Gus Van Beek" as the designation or by phone, call Krieger School Office of External Affairs at 410-516-8722. www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com
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Memories and Condolences
for GUS BEEK
Deborah Gentry
September 3, 2012
I was a volunteer at Tell Jemmeh in the summer of 1973. It is an experience I always remember very fondly. Sorry to hear of Dr. Van Beek's passing. I wish Ora, Amir, and Timna the best.
In 1973, I was Deborah Donegan but of course I am married now and my name has changed. I have some nice photos still from the trip and of you all.
Robin Hadl-Milgram
September 1, 2012
Gus was a wonderful man. I worked for him in Isreal after the "67" war.
Our thoughts are with
August 30, 2012
Ora and family,
May all your rich memories sustain you. Blessed were we all to know Gus and to be enriched by his wisdom and friendship. Be at peace as he surely is.
Joe Seger, Starkville, Mississippi
Laukisha Benton
August 28, 2012
In your sadness, may there be hope... In your thoughts, may there be peace... In your heart, may there be healing. My condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one.(Psalms 55:22)
Julie VanBeek
August 24, 2012
Ora, Our heartfelt love and admiration for all your strengths and achievements that You and Gus strove for throughout the years. Love from your grandsons Virgil and Stirling. May they accomplish the tasks that they set forth to do as well as their Grandfather Gus.
August 24, 2012
Ora, my thoughts and prayers are with you at Gus' passing. He was indeed a wonderful and inspiring man.
Susan Kayser
August 24, 2012
Ora, I was sad to hear about Gus' passing. I remember him as a warm, welcoming presence, and regret his loss. My sincerest good wishes go with you.
August 23, 2012
Dear Ora, Much love to you and our heartfelt condolences. Pegi Jodry and Dennis Stanford
August 23, 2012
Dear Ora,
We pray God's Peace and Comfort in the loss of our dear Gus.
Truly, we have been blessed by his scholarship and friendship as we learned how together you sifted through Tel Jimmeh and beyond, excavating a life of passion and purpose. Now Gus enters into his rest.
We pray you and your family will be strengthened as you revisit "Glorious Mud" and the rare treasure that remains.
With our sincere love,
The Turner family
Mona
August 23, 2012
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your loved one. During this most difficult time, comfort is truly needed. Please allow the loving care of our heavenly Father, to help you in coping with your grief.(Isaiah 61:2)
Marian Moran
August 23, 2012
Dear Ora,
Please accept my condolences. Gus was a wonderful person, lecturer, and travel guide. His trips to Israel and Egypt were exciting, educational, and great fun. I will always remember him and you with great fondness.
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