Richard VAN BERKEL

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VAN BERKEL: Richard. Born November 11, 1957, died March 24, 2009. Richard struggled with anxiety and depression for more than 20 years. His body was found at Lake Winnipeg on May 10 after a long search. Grieving for Richard are his parents, Jan Adriaan and Cornelia Gerarda van Berkel, Brandon; his brothers and their families, John (Sam), Hadashville; Anthony and Merly (Adriaan and Virgilio), Oakville; Dan and Jo (David, Christina, Lucas and Landon), Edmonton; Andrew and Fariba, Toronto; and David, Fredericton; and his sister Elisabeth and her partner Lisa, Halifax. Richard grew up on 4th Street North and was educated in Brandon. He graduated from Brandon University with his B.Sc.(Geology) and B.Ed. Throughout and after his studies, he drove cab for Wallys Taxi. For the past 15 years, Richard lived in Winnipeg's Osborne Village, where he worked numerous jobs, mostly as a driver. Richard was a poet. He worked briefly as a teacher. His interest in listening to music, reading, playing chess, drawing and discussing Christianity was lifelong. He attended several Osborne-area churches over the years, including Augustine United. Also grieving are his good friends for whom Richard's family is profoundly grateful: Gerald, Bodo, David, and Roxanne. The funeral will be held on Monday, June 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Memories Chapel, 330 18th Street North. Rev Evert Busink will officiate. Richard's cremated remains will be interred at Rosewood Memorial Gardens, according to his wishes. A light lunch for all will follow the interment. Donations may be made in Richard's memory to the Anxiety Disorder Association of Manitoba, 100 - 4 Fort Street, Winnipeg, R3C 1C4. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel and Pre-Planning Centre. 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 27, 2009