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Harry van Beek Obituary
Harry van Beek, 77, of Earlysville, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2011, with his family by his side. He was born in Eindhoven, the Netherlands on February 3, 1934. On April 8, 1961, he married Janny Verhoeven, an event that defined the rest of his life. Together, they had four children, Olga, Jeroen, Inge and Jan-Bas.
Harry moved with his family to the United States in 1978 to build Klockner Pentaplast of America in Gordonsville. Harry and Janny were very proud to become American citizens in a ceremony at Monticello on July 4, 1994.
Harry's joy for soccer contributed to the building of Klockner Stadium at the University of Virginia. Among his community activities, Harry served as the Chairman of the Board of the University of Virginia Health Services Foundation, as a board member of Poplar Forest, and as a Founding member of the Board of the University of Virginia Children's Medical Center.
After his retirement, Harry also enjoyed spending more time on his cattle farm and in his greenhouse. He continued to participate in the annual Walk-a-Thon for the University of Virginia Children's Medical Center which he started with Klockner's support.
In addition to his wife and children, their spouses Ed, Valerie, Mia and Rob, Harry is survived by his eight grandchildren, Parker, Hanna, Emma, Niels, Nicole, Kiefer, Josefine and Nellie.
A funeral service celebrating Harry's life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011, at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Earlysville, followed by a burial at the Chestnut Grove Cemetery.
The family will also receive friends from 7 until 8 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2011, at the Hill and Wood Funeral Home in Charlottesville.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials take the form of donations to the University of Virginia Children's Medical Center, P.O. Box 800773, Charlottesville, VA 22908.
Friends may sign the register book at www.hillandwood.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Hans de Kort
August 9, 2011
Hierbij wil ik jullie allemaal condoleren met het verlies van uw man , jullie vader en grootvader. Ik kan me de gezelligheid van jullie gezin in Achel nog goed herinneren als ik bij Jeroen kwam. Het is een vervelende manier om jullie terug te vinden. Sterkte voor allemaal.
Bruce Catlett
May 11, 2011
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Van Beek's passing. He was a great man, a man I admired. Please know that your family is always near my heart and my thoughts. My love and deepest sympathy to the Van Beek family. I am forever your friend....
Peter van der Putten
April 16, 2011
Hallo Janny,gecondoleerd met het overlijden van Harry,we hebben elkaar het laatst gezien bij de begrafenis van tante Ger in Breda.
Vandaag staat er in het eindhovens dagblad een advertentie vandaar mijn reactie,Sterkte met dit verlies,ook voor je kinderen.
Peter en Gerrie van der Putten Cahorslaan 79 5627 BN Eindhoven Nederland (Zoon van oom Harrie0
Marc Dettmann
April 13, 2011
Janny,
Mary and I were deeply saddened to learn of Harry's passing. His talents were so numerous and, more importantly, he used them broadly to help and improve our community. He combined qualities of enthusiasm, modesty, and generousity to make the world a better place for everyone he came in contact with. I will truly miss him as a friend, mentor, and boss. He leaves a big hole in our hearts and community. Mary and I aspire to live up to the standards he exhibited on a daily basis.
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Frances Kelly
April 12, 2011
I am so very sorry for your lost. I met Harry once or twice at a dinner at Fox Haven. I work for Raymond and Wendy. He will be missed here. Harry seem a pleasent person to be around! I am so glad to have met him. my name is Frances Kelly Earlysville Va.
Karen Kehoe
April 11, 2011
Harry leaves a legacy behind in Charlottesville. So sorry for his loss to the family and my sumpathy to all. Karen Kehoe
William Kehoe
April 11, 2011
I am so sorry to learn of Harry's passing. He was a good and kind man who made many great contributions for the benefit of others during his life. He carried always a smile and kind words for everyone he encountered. Please know that Harry now is at rest in God's good care.
Marjorie Webber
April 10, 2011
It is difficult to lose a loved one, and my deepest sympathy does out to you and your family. I have enjoyed knowing all of you. I hope to see you soon.
Rebecca Deane Van der Sommen
April 9, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of Harry's passing. Michiel has always admired Harry and valued his friendship. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to all of the van Beek family.
Greg Gilbert
April 9, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
April 9, 2011
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.
Wilma and Dick Mangione
Helen/James Wilburger
April 8, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Stanley Craun
April 8, 2011
Sorry to hear of Mr. Van Beek passing. He was always a gentleman and fair in our business activities. My deepest sympathies go out to the Van Beek family.
Stanley Craun, Weyers Cave, Virginia
Ralph Lamm
April 8, 2011
Janny,
Sorry for the lost of a great man. My thought and prayers be with you and your family.
Fernando Amorim
April 8, 2011
It was great sadness that I learnt about Harry's passing away. He was a man who I held in the greatest respect. A finer gentleman you could not hope to meet, and he would treat everyone as an equal. His passing is a huge loss to you and everyone who knew him, and the only comfort that I am able to provide is that he enriched so many people's lives that he will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
Randy Fox
April 7, 2011
I first me Mr. Van Beek in 1979 when I started to work at Klockner.
Mr.Van Beek installed a family atmosphere at work that will never be forgotten.
Those of us still employeed at Klockner will always remember and respect him.
May God Bless
April 7, 2011
Goodby old friend,you will be missed.
Edgar (Kinny)& Nell Kinnier
Karen Anderson
April 7, 2011
Janny,
Bill and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Karen & Bill Anderson
Barbara McMurry
April 7, 2011
We at Montague, Miller & Company were saddened to hear of the loss of Harry Van Beek. He did so much for our community-he will be missed.
Mary Colvin
April 7, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Scotty Colvin
April 7, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jonathan Chasen
April 7, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear this. Harry & I spoke just last week. I was hoping to visit with him this week. My condolences to his whole family. The community is worse for his loss.
April 6, 2011
On behalf of the entire Department of Athletics at the University of Virginia, I extend condolences to the van Beek family upon learning the news of Harry's passing. Harry was a supporter of our programs and he was a visionary who was instrumental in the construction of Klockner Stadium. In addition, Harry had many other causes he supported both at the University and within the local community. I have many great memories and recall the last time we were together at a banquet honoring UVA's women's soccer team on February 26th. I remember his smile and great sense of humor. The local community has lost a wonderful friend.
Katya Spicuzza
April 6, 2011
Please accept my condolences. Harry was the ultimate gentleman and such a gift to the Charlottesville community. I so enjoyed the years we worked together on the Children's Medical Center Committee, his contributions were enormous. With heartfelt sympathy, Katya Spicuzza
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