THOMAS VAN KAMPEN

THOMAS VAN KAMPEN
August 30, 1938 - February 9, 2026
We are greatly saddened by the passing of Thomas van Kampen. Tom entered God's arms on February 9, 2026, at the age of 87.
Born on August 30, 1938, in Bellflower, California, to immigrant parents Cornelius and Margaret, Tom learned early that love is shown through responsibility, consistency, and quietly doing what needs to be done. A member of the first graduating class of St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, CA, in 1956, he formed the steadfast Catholic faith he carried throughout his life.
Quick to connect with anyone, he lived his devotion daily-attending morning Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, and praying faithfully for both the known and the unknown. His generosity showed in every facet of his life.
Tom made life feel lighter. He loved good food and company, impromptu dinners out and destination drives, the banter that a well-told joke brings, stories, and the nicknames he gave each of us. Time with him often meant leaving with a full heart and a story worth retelling.
He served honorably in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve from 1962 to 1967 and spent 35 respected years in the dairy business, providing for his family and earning a reputation for dependability and honor in the community. Outside of work and family, he loved photography-spending hours behind the camera and in the darkroom-and he was a gifted woodworker and carver, known for his careful eye, attention to detail, and beautiful handwork. He volunteered at Food for Santa Fe, built sets for Eldorado Children's Theater, and was always willing to lend a hand to whoever needed it. Everything he put his hands on ended up better than when he found it.
The greatest joy of his life was his wife and family. On February 27, 1982, he married the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) van Kampen. Over the course of their 44-year marriage, they raised a blended family of six children and built a beautiful home defined by love, laughter, celebration, and hospitality. They met each of us where we were, spoke the truth when it was hard, and stood unified in our corner as protectors, encouragers, and teachers.
After retirement, Tom and Pat moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, embracing a slower pace, wide-open spaces, and the peace of the desert Southwest.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pat van Kampen; daughter Christine van Kampen Atwood and husband Rich; son Douglas van Kampen and wife Corrie; daughter Jennifer van Kampen Shattles and husband Mark; son Gary Colfack Jr. and wife Nancy; son Timothy Colfack and wife Olivia; his sisters, Carol Nelson and Marita Penner; and his grandchildren, Kaitlynn, Terra, Ruth, Sydney, Alex, Emma, Donovan, Jenna, Adrienne, and Liam.
A special thanks to the Christus St. Vincent Hospital staff, especially Neil Morrison of Hospital Supportive Care; Compassus; Whitney Perez-Wright of Scott's House Hospice Care; and the loving volunteers who helped the family and Tom as he transitioned through his final stages of life.
A service to celebrate Tom's life will be held in the spring with full military honors at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Please check The Neptune Society webpage for updates. The family welcomes stories and memories, because Tom gave us so much to carry forward.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary gift to Scott's House of Santa Fe, NM, at ScottsHouse.org-or do something Tom would have loved: attend Mass, call someone you've missed, invite family over, help a neighbor, or spend time outside.
Tom will be remembered for his devotion to family, unwavering faith, and a lifetime of honest work. His legacy lives on in all who knew, loved, and learned from him.