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Ferdinand Beernink Obituary
Indio, CA
Ferdinand Jan Beernink was born July 23, 1928 in The Hague, The Netherlands and passed away on January 22, 2016. Born to physician parents, Ferd, his twin brother, Heinrich (Henry) and their sister, Jacoba, grew up in Holland. The family survived foreign invasion during WWII, assisting many in need of medical care, food or refuge. All three siblings attended the University of Leiden Medical School. A tennis lover, Ferd competed at Wimbledon in 1949 at age 21.
The twins emigrated to the US in 1952 via Ellis Island. They served as US Army medics, stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Ferd completed residency training at Harvard University, UCSF and Michigan. Adjunct Professors of Medicine, he and Henry practiced as OB/GYNs in Berkeley together for 40 years . In 1958, Ferd married Sandra Camille Dolson, a nurse he met at UCSF. They had five children together. In the 1980's he pioneered treatments in infertility medicine. Sandra passed away in 1993. He married Judy Young in 1998 and retired in 2000.
Ferd's family will remember him fondly for his sense of humor, his gentle nature, intelligence and his love for medicine, tennis, golf, limericks and Dr. Seuss rhymes. He lived a full and accomplished life, surrounded by his family. Henry passed away on December 13. Both twins died from Alzheimer's disease complications. Ferd is survived by his wife Judy and his 5 children, Dana Simonds, Cynthia McKeith, Jon Beernink, Karen Beernink and Andrew Beernink and 9 grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at the Veterans Hall in Lafayette on Sunday, March 6 for Ferd and Henry. Please contact Karen Beernink at [email protected] for more information. RSVP requested for space allowance but not required. Donations can be made to the American Alzheimer's Association.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ferdinand Beernink
Sponsored by East Bay Times.
4 Entries
Stuart & Catherine Shipp
October 9, 2016
The Beerninks delivered our babies. They were unbelieveably caring and competent. We will always appreciate them.
The Shipp Family
February 27, 2016
Sorry for your loss of loved one. May memories of happy times you shared help ease your loss and bring comfort to you now. Matthew 11:28,29,30, (comfort) view J W.org
Connie Martinelli
February 23, 2016
Dr. F and Dr. H were my doctors for my first pregnancy, and I was a patient at their office for over 30 years. When they and Dr. Chinn retired, it took me years to find a replacement. These were wonderful, kind men. Dr. F always put me at ease and was one of the kindest, most compassionate doctors I've ever known. My sincere sympathy for his family.
Jan Smith
February 20, 2016
Dr. F was my obgyn from 1965 (when I was 18) until he retired. He delivered 2 of my 3 children. My first was delivered by Dr. Chinn when Dr. F was out of town. I just loved Dr. F as he was so funny and made me feel so comfortable. When he retired I was one of his "older patients" as he called me. I just loved him and sadly, I have not had an obgyn since he retired. I was sad to read about his passing. I will never forget him and his kindness to me when I was just 18 and so afraid to see a Doctor.
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