Ferdinand Jan Beernink M.D.

1928 - 2016

Ferdinand Jan Beernink, MD

Ferdinand Jan Beernink was born Jul 23, 1928 in The Hague, The Netherlands and passed away on Jan 22, 2016. Born to physician parents, Ferd, his twin brother, Henry and their sister 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 Dolson, a nurse he met at UCSF. They had 5 children together. In the 1980's he pioneered treatments in infertility medicine. Sandra passed away in 1993. He married Judy Young in 1998.

Ferd's family will remember him fondly for his sense of humor, 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 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 kbeernink@yahoo.com for more information. RSVP requested for space allowance but not required. Donations can be made to the American Alzheimer's Association.