Barend Leonard (Dick) Vanden Akker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at his home, January 15, 2021 at the age of 100. His positive influence will continue to be felt for generations.
Born September 6, 1920 to Leonard and Marie Vanden Akker in their family home, Dad was the seventh of nine children; he and his siblings adored one another throughout their lives. Dick learned the value of hard work at a young age working on his father’s dairy farm, which his father started after immigrating to the United States from the Netherlands. Dick later owned and operated Snow White Egg Co., an egg wholesale distribution business in Salt Lake City, UT. He took great pleasure in employing neighborhood teenagers, teaching them honesty, responsibility, and the value of a positive attitude. He treated all with respect, was perpetually happy, and always led by example.
Dick attended Granite High School where he met his sweetheart, Alice Josephine Wright. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple in June of 1940 and together raised four children: Rick, Den, Joel, and Jill. Together, Dick and Alice placed a strong emphasis on the importance of family and community and brought wonderful energy to the neighborhoods in which they lived. Their time together was cut short when Alice lost her battle with Multiple Sclerosis in 1981. Dick married Betty Sorenson, and they enjoyed many years together in the mountains of Midway and red hills of St. George.
Dad had many passions. He loved the outdoors and spent much of his youth and adult life fishing and hunting the rivers and mountains of Utah. He developed a love for golf in his later years and a family highlight is his birthday golf tournament at Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway, UT, which has been held annually for nearly 40 years. Dick’s grandkids always looked forward to summer weekends with grandpa at the cabin where he shared his passions with them and taught them valuable life lessons on the river or the course. Dick also had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. He cherished his time singing in many choirs, particularly The Jay Welch Choir. Dick was a preferred soloist on many occasions.
Dick had a strong belief in Jesus Christ and a firm conviction of The Plan of Happiness. He knew he would be reunited with his loved ones again and is now enjoying that beautiful reunion. For 100 years he did it right, consistently a pillar of goodness and service.
Ever one of the happiest and kindest people, Dad’s advice for finding happiness in this life is something we might all consider, “You only need three things in this life to be happy – someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to.” Dad was blessed to enjoy all three.
Dick is survived by his wife Betty; children: Rick (Dana) van den Akker, Dennis Vanden Akker, Joel (Leigh) Vanden Akker, Jill (Dan) Martin; step-children: Sherri (Jon) London, Shauna (Steve) Jackson; 16 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to especially thank Allisandra, Vivianne, Christina, and Railene for their loving care in his final years. We also appreciate the professional care Dad received from Hospice.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held on Friday January 22 at 11:00 am. The service will be broadcast via an online streaming service provided by Wasatch Lawn Mortuary at www.facebook.com/wasatchlawnmemorial and will also be available online afterward.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Utah.
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