Herbert "Herb" Linwood Verhaagen

Herb Verhaagen passed away at the age of 79 on Friday, August 13, 2021 in the early morning hours, surrounded by family members. Born in 1941, he grew up during an era of uncommon social and personal upheaval. The year his mother, Charlotte, passed away, he also began his senior year of high school in 1959. However, the entire Norfolk city public school system was soon shut down to prevent integration, forcing the seniors to choose: They could come back the following year or go elsewhere to get a GED. Herb opted for a 4-year electronics apprenticeship at the Norfolk Naval Air Station, earning his GED along the way.

As a civil servant, his specialized training propelled him into a coveted position with the Navy. He began on the ground floor of the computer revolution where an early computer took up an entire room, and he retired four decades later when a flash drive on your keyring held more memory. His work took him around the world to places as varied as Cuba, Alaska, New Zealand, Hawaii, and all across Europe where he took on leadership roles in setting up data processing systems for the military.

Herb and Ann met in high school. They married soon afterward in 1962 and have remained in the Norfolk-Va. Beach area where they have established deep roots. They observed their 59th wedding anniversary this summer.

Herb was active in his community, serving as a Little League and High School baseball coach for many years. He also served as President and board member of the Back Bay Wildfowl Guild. He was a frequent in-residence carver at their Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum on the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

Known for his engaging sense of humor, his hospitality, and his conscientious work ethic, Herb invested in the lives of others as a coach, husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Ann; his son, Dave and his wife, Ellen; his son, Brian and his wife, Gail; his siblings, Ron and Susan; his seven grandchildren, Abbey, Chris, Daniel, Josh, Maddie, Mikayla, and Samantha, and one great grandchild, Aquila. He was preceded in death by his sister, Charlean.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2pm, Saturday, August 28, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Norfolk located at 312 Kempsville Rd, Norfolk, VA 23502.