David Bekker

David Bekker
1949 - 2011

David Bekker of Dedham, MA, beloved pediatrician to many patients at Dedham Medical, passed away from ALS on September 19. To his last moments he spent his life lovingly shepherding others to know the Good Shepherd whom he enjoyed, even through his suffering.
A native of Everett, David was the son of George and Jane Bekker, who both survive him. He is also survived by sister, Judy Bekker (Jerry) of Stanwood, WA; and brothers, Dr. Daniel (Nadia) of Seattle, WA and John (Lori) of Tacoma, WA.
Dr. Bekker graduated from Everett High School, Wheaton College in Illinois and Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia.
Professionally he served briefly as an Army officer at Fort Devens before joining the pediatric department at DMA in 1982. During his tenure there his colleagues recall his thoroughness, kindness and confident leadership
Upon receiving a terminal diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gedhrig's Disease) in 2002, Dr. Bekker worked for two more years before retiring from his practice in 2004 to spend his remaining time serving the Lord full-time with the church and on local college campuses. Eventually wheelchair bound, he took great joy in faithfully visiting with students at MIT, Harvard University and other campuses to study the Bible with them and encourage them in their faith.
Dr. Bekker leaves his lovely wife, Deborah Ferguson Bekker; his daughters, Hannah Bekker Diller of Austin, TX Kristen Bekker Tsuei of Austin and Louisa Bekker of Philadelphia, PA; and his sons, Paul Bekker of Chestnut Hill, MA and Dr. Peter Bekker of Brookline, MA and their respective spouses. He also leaves four grandchildren, Ian, Eliza and Caroline Diller and Charlotte Bekker.
A memorial service to celebrate his life was held Saturday, September 24 at Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill, MA
Donations in his memory will be gratefully accepted at the Massachusetts chapter of the ALS Association or your favorite charity.