Peter Van Schaik

Peter van Schaik – April 18, 1927 – January 15, 2015

Peter van Schaik passed away on January 15, 2015, from complications related to Alzheimer’s.  He was born in the Netherlands, April 18, 1927 and was the seventh of a family of 10 siblings. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 61 years, his daughters Caroline (Christopher) of Minnesota; Bobbie (Chris), Claire (Brad), Suzanne (Chris), of Denver; his son Peter (Jessica) of Connecticut; his beloved brother Jan (Lucie), his sisters Titia and Annet, nephew Paul, and many close members of the extended family, all of the Netherlands; Adee and her children in Canada; a very special nephew, Jan of Michigan; and finally, 13 perfect grandchildren. He is preceded in death by infant daughters, Elizabeth and Mary Ann; brothers Steve (Adee), Egbert (Ingrid) and Fritz; sisters Fiet, Hans, and Benine (Frans).

Peter’s mother always described young Peter as a ‘sunny’ boy. He continued to be optimistic, positive and good humored throughout his life. Even as a resident in Brookdale Senior Living Community (Denver), Peter was known for his cheerfulness and helpful demeanor. He was a faithful, caring husband, a true helpmate. He was an exceptional father, sharing many sleepless nights with each infant; he loved his babies. His children, sons- and daughter-in-law, and grandchildren adore him.

Peter emigrated to Canada and the U.S. after WWII, attending the University of Guelph (Canada), University of Toronto (Canada), completing his PhD and a post doctorate at Purdue University (Indiana). He spent eight years in Iran and India as Chief of Party and Director of Research in developing and increasing the high protein content of pulses, a food staple of the Far East. Returning to the U.S., Peter was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, as Assistant Area Director for the Western Region. During retirement, he enjoyed many years of sailing the Mediterranean with his siblings.  While living in Montrose, he faithfully took daily bicycle trips meandering through town and the outskirts, enjoyed a Thursday coffee group (aka The Old Farts’ club) at the Coffee Trader, and served on the Montrose Planning Commission.  Peter was an ardent volunteer – for years with the Public Lands Partnership, as an avid member of the Kiwanis (he was Mr. Bubblegum Machine), and donated gallons of blood over the course of his life.  He was always a passionate weatherman, and was a ‘weather spotter’ for 20 years.

Cremation has taken place.  Funeral services will be held at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, January 24, at 10:00 am.  A celebratory open-house will be held that same day at the family home from 4:00 – 5:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy (4245 N. Fairfax Dr. Suite 100, Arlington VA. 22203-1606), in memory of Dr. Peter van Schaik.  Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colorado