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Jack VanBebber Obituary
October 29, 1947-January 23, 2019
Maui, HI
Jack Van Bebber, who was a beloved member of the Monterey Peninsula artist community, he died in Maui HI, where he lived with his fiancée Tracy Kellogg Brown.
Jack was born in Tracy, CA to Earle and Mildred Van Bebber.
He was named after his Uncle Jack Francis, who was a gold medal wrestling champion in 1932. His father moved to California from Oklahoma, where he met Jack's mother Mildred. After high school Jack attended Delta College in Stockton avidly studying art while working at Seymour's Jewelry Store, after which he moved on to California College of Arts and Crafts in Berkeley CA.
In 1970 he moved to Pacific Grove CA and opened a jewelry store, Van Bebber and Son, on Cannery Row. He showed paintings, sculpture and his unique and intricate jewelery, which he was most famous for. During this period he was also represented in several Carmel galleries.
It would be safe to say that he had a reputation as a wild man, who was also extremely bright, funny and sensitive. Jack was excitably creative toward whatever his focus was captured by at any given moment. Those who really knew and loved him will undoubtedly experience a vacuum in his absence.
He is survived by his older brother Richard Van Bebber, his nephew Dan Van Bebber, and his fiancée, Tracy Kellogg Brown. We love you Jack!
To do the useful thing,
To say the courageous thing,
To contemplate the beautiful thing;
That is enough for one man's life.
T.S. Elliott
(808) 873-7911
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Memories and Condolences
for Jack VanBebber
Sponsored by Monterey Herald.
5 Entries
LA
August 22, 2019
Yes Jack lived life fully, he had a big heart, creative mind and curious nature.shortly after his motorcycle accident I flew up to visit. He was always on a mission even when the Doctors told him he wouldn't walk again, he started swimming, building up his strength, he had more physical drive than his V12 Mercedes. He wanted to go to Laguna Seca to attend a concert event, off we went with the wheel chair in the trunk. Jack gave directions as I powered him along until we came to an obstacle STAIRS! No way around, no handicap ramp back then! There where a lot of steps straight up, at least a dozen if not more, Jack thought a few moments then said let's go! There was a strong , well built metal pole rail separating the two sides to accommodate the large crowd one side was up the other side down. Jack grabbed the rail and pulled himself up out of the chair, it was a Herculean effort, his legs were weak but managed to give him balance, hand over hand he kept going steadily making it to the top, the heart of a champion, he did it! Two gentlemen helped carry the heavy wheel chair up the stairs. He was a champion, he will be missed, lots of fond memories to keep grinning about. Very sorry for your loss. One of a kind! Xoxo
LA
Bob Stanton
February 25, 2019
I used to live down the road from Jack's house on Altoga Road when I was nine years old. He taught me how to draw monsters driving hot rods on the backs of sweatshirts. A number of my friends paid me to do this for them which for me was like free money. He was a very nice guy to take the time with a little kid when he was a teenager to do this.
Mark Tury
February 23, 2019
I remember Jack at a dance in Tracy. Could have been a Halloween Dance where he wore a long cape and "flew" around the room to "Jumpin' Jack Flash" . A hi school friend, he designed and created a matching set of wedding rings many years later for my wife & I where we placed those rings on each others fingers in the Fern Grotto, Kauai. Jack was a very special person.
A. H.
February 23, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
A B
February 18, 2019
My condolences go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. May you find a measure of comfort found at John 6:40 which says that soon we will all see our loved ones again
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