Jerold B. Van Faasen

Jerold B. VAN FAASEN Age 94, passed away with family members at his side February 22, 2008, after battling myelodysplastic syndrome for six months. He was born in Holland, Michigan on October 19, 1913 to Albert and Wilhelmina Cornelia Van Faasen. He graduated from Michigan College of Mining and Technology (now Michigan Technological University) at the top of his class in civil engineering, and subsequently worked on many projects in Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Washington and Pennsylvania. He met Ruth Shanahan while working on the Fort Peck Dam project in Montana in 1936. They married in 1938, and together they raised three daughters. He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Ruth Jean and Robert Shaw, Mary and Rob Inkpen and Beth and Dan Betker; two grandsons and their wives: Douglas Shaw and Leonor Tomero and Shannon and Rita Inkpen, and two great-grandchildren, Liliana and Santino Inkpen. He was preceded in death by wife Ruth; their infant son, Albert Jerold; his parents, Albert and Wilhelmina; his second mother Margaret; his brothers, William Cornelius Van Faasen and Elmer Jay Van Faasen and their sister, Alma Halko. As a U.S. Navy officer during WWII, he supervised shipboard logistics and engaged in civil engineering including airfield construction in the Pacific theater. After 38 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he served as chief of construction and resident engineer in various locations and projects, he worked an additional 20 years as consultant to Will Construction Company, founded by his longtime friend Merrill Will, retiring again at 86. He authored two autobiographical memoirs, the first shaped with considerable encouragement from his wife, Ruth, titled "Making It Happen: A Sixty-Year Engineering Odyssey in the Northwest". The second, "William C. Van Faasen 1923-1944: Uncle Willie, His Life, His Family and His Friends", detailed WWII service of the three Van Faasen brothers. Both books describe his personal and professional experiences, and were widely distributed to extended family and friends, who especially cherish their family history content; they are also preserved in various historical and engineering societies, universities, and public libraries. Residents of Seattle will recognize his contributions in local landmarks such as the Shilshole breakwater, both designed and built under his supervision while with the Corps. He worked on the Hiram B. Chittenden Locks in Ballard, both for the Corps and for Will Construction; and with Will as they built the Elephant House at Woodland Park Zoo and other local projects. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, reading, theater, music, the ballet, and playing games with family and friends. Over several years, for months at a time, he and Ruth opened their home to several immigrant families to assist in their resettlement in the United States. He remained active in engineering societies in the Pacific Northwest and in his church; belonged to two book clubs and a weekly current-events discussion group and attended as many bridge games and musical concerts as his schedule allowed. He was a man of character and steadfast consistency and encouraged others with his optimism in solving problems. He constantly set an example in thoughtful risk-taking and using reflection to resolve difficulties. He encouraged years of musical study for his three daughters and his wife in multiple musical disciplines. An active church member wherever he resided, he always returned to rejoin and serve Northminster Presbyterian Church in Seattle in many capacities, including chairing an ambitious building expansion. A Memorial Service will be held at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 7706 25th Ave. N.W., Seattle, WA 98117 on March 8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, memorials can be made to Puget Sound Cancer Care Foundation, 1560 North 115th Street, G-16, Seattle, Washington 98133-8402.