T/Sgt. John Henry Van Heerden's Obituary
Mr. John Henry Van Heerden blessed us with his presence on September 23, 1919 and entered into eternal rest on October 07, 2016.
When asked to share a memory involving a war during his childhood, John shared this story…
“I was never involved in actual combat during World War II but, I can recall a pleasant experience I had while stationed at Lowery Field, California. One of my roommates in the barracks was Donald Turuor from Southern California. His parents were acquainted with Sam & Sarah Mae Large’s who live near Denver, Colorado. Sam was a naval Prison ward and SP in the United States Navy. When Donald and I were off duty from Lowry Field on Saturday at the Large’s House. But, Before taking the bus to their house, Donald and I stopped at the Aurora Roller Skating Area to participate in the skating dance classes. We skated to the popular organ music as a trio, Don and I on each side of a girl. That was our fun-night. We arrived at the Large’s House before midnight on Saturday. In Sunday-the Larges would fix a lunch basket. They drove us to the many scenic areas around Denver., even to an outdoor musical stage show at Red Rocks Amphitheater.”
Mr. Van Heerden will be greatly missed.
John will be placed in Chapel of Gentleness West 2-6 at Chapel of the Chimes Mausoleum – 4499 Piedmont Avenue Oakland, CA 94611
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