Fred van Berkel

VAN BERKEL, FRED (GODEFRIDUS HENDRIKUS MARIA) Took his final breath on Saturday, October 12, 2013. Born in Gouda, Holland, on December 5, 1937, Fred immigrated first to Brazil, where he remained for 10 years, and then to the United States. Fred had been an Assistant Professor of Sociology at St. Peter's College in Jersey City, NJ, before moving to Albuquerque in 1976, where he worked as a hotel food and beverage manager before becoming licensed as a general contractor. He operated his own building and remodeling business until retirement in 1998. He was instrumental in forming the Taylor Ranch Neighborhood Association and served the Association in many capacities over the years. He also served as part of the committee that helped establish the parish of St. Joseph on the Rio Grande. He proudly became an American citizen in Albuquerque in 1977. Fred is survived by his wife, Ceil (Joyce Andrews) van Berkel; son, Victor van Berkel (wife, Robin Guillory); grandson, Dexter van Berkel; and his sisters, in Holland, Pop (husband, Adriaan Ommering), Miep (husband, Jan van Laar) and Bep van Berkel. He is also survived by the extended family of Rick and Karyl Farris, who for the past 37 years lovingly included Fred in their family circle. A memorial service will be held at FRENCH - Westside chapel on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 10:30 a.m., followed by refreshments in the Reception Hall. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church in the small chapel at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2013. Should friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to Fred's favorite charities: Albuquerque Rescue Mission, P.O. box 331, Albuquerque, NM 87103 (abqrescue.org) or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 (support.woundedwarriorproject.org). Please visit our online guest book for Fred van Berkel at . FRENCH - Westside 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (505) 897-0300