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John Van Der Werf

Posted 2009-05-28 by Fountain Hills Times
John T. Van Der Werf Sr., 92, affectionately known as “Van,” went to be with our Lord and Savior on May 13, 2009.

He was born May 15, 1916 to Bertha and Fred Van Der Werf in Chicago, Ill. He was preceded in death by his two younger brothers, Fred and Jerome, and his beloved wife of 66 years, Patricia (Pat).

He is survived by his six children; Carole (Bill Wood), John (Lynn), Paul (Debra), Jim, Edward (Roxanne) and Barbara (Mark Russo), 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Van and Pat met at a dance club were they loved to dance the Jitterbug, Two-Step and the Lindy. They were married after a four-year courtship in Chicago on April 19, 1941. The couple moved their young family to Arizona from Chicago, arriving in Phoenix on April 1, 1955.

Van founded Border Products Corporation in 1955. This family corporation has impacted the commercial construction industry throughout the state of Arizona, southern California and Nevada. Over the generations, the Valley of the Sun has grown into the metropolis that it is today and Border Products has had an active role in this commercial development.

Van and Pat raised their family attending St. Gregory's Catholic Church and School during the ‘50s and ‘60s. Their contributions aided in the expansion and growth of the church and school buildings.

They spent some of their leisure time camping and at the RONS Club, where the children enjoyed swimming during the Arizona summers.

Van and Pat moved to Fountain Hills in 1973 and were one of the first residents on Kingstree Blvd. With a view of the Fountain, every hour someone would exclaim, “Van, the Fountain’s on!”

Van served and helped develop the Fountain Hills Road District in the early ‘70s. He was instrumental in the design and development of the Fountain Festival of the Arts, where he volunteered his time for many years to make it one of the Valley’s premier art shows, bringing visitors and dollars into the community.

He financially supported the Fountain Hills Art Council and League. He was involved in the design, building and financial sponsorship of the Church of the Ascension Roman Catholic Church, where he ushered and greeted parishioners for over 25 years.

Van was an original member of the Fountain Hills Historical Society and was involved in the creation and progression of the society and museum. He generously contributed educationally and financially to the Fountain Hills Historical Society and also donated numerous historical items to the Fountain Hills museum.

Van was one of the founding fathers of “The Club,” a men's club established in 1978 where members enjoy sports, games, food and companionship. He was an original member of the Noon Kiwanis, a charitable organization to aid youths and the needy, and was active in the establishment of the Fountain Hills club.

Van was a founding member of the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce. As a successful businessman in the State of Arizona, he understood the importance of promotion and publicity to assist in the achievements of local business and town growth.

Van was an honest man and his word was his badge. As a man of integrity, he earned the respect of this business associates, the community and most importantly his family. He was generous to all.

For relaxation he enjoyed spending time in the White Mountains. He and Pat spent many summers at their log cabin in Show Low. He enjoyed fishing and playing cards; his grandchildren will tell you he was a very competitive “Spoons” player.

He golfed for more than 40 years, even though he would eventually be declared legally blind. Van had a wonderful sense of humor, was quick with a smile and always had an attitude of gratitude.

Join his family in celebrating his life on Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m. at Church of the Ascension, 12615 Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in his memory to Hospice of the Valley, 5111 N. Scottsdale Rd., No. 108, Scottsdale, AZ. 85250.

“Van, the Fountain’s on!”

Fountain Hills Times 5/20/2009.




Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.

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