C. Harold Van Zee, 90, left the arms of his beloved wife of 65 years, Gerry, to join his Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 7 2008. He left this world as he lived it, peacefully at home with his family at his bedside. He had suffered all too long from his trials of illness and disability and welcomed the peace and dignity that death brought.
Harold was born July 25, 1917 in Sacramento, Calif. He married Geraldine Tamblyn on September 13, 1942 after a 5-year courtship, and their marriage was a model of steadfast love and devotion. He felt a call for the Christian ministry and Gerry joined him in that journey. He prepared for his life work with degrees at the University of California, Berkeley and the San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, Calif.
He served churches in San Anselmo, Portland, Ore. (Northminster Presbyterian), Elko. (First Presbyterian) and Carson City. (First Presbyterian) where he remains Pastor Emeritus. During his years of service in Carson City, he was Chaplain to the Nevada Legislature, where the Senate passed Concurrent Resolution No.19 in 1983 honoring his and Gerry's exemplary and outstanding years of service to the communities of Elko and Carson City. The Resolution went on further to honor his 19 years of excellent service as Chaplain to the Legislature. In 1976, the University of Nevada, Reno Board of Regents, named him as a Distinguished Nevadan.
Following his retirement and move to Medford, Ore, he also served as interim pulpit supply for Brookings Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville Presbyterian and as Calling Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian. Until the time of his death and despite overwhelming personal disability, he still called church members and friends on their birthdays and anniversaries to wish them well.
His joys in life were his family and his faith and he is survived by his wife, Gerry, his sons, Dr. Bruce Van Zee (Chrystine) of Medford, Ore., Dr. Art Van Zee (Sue Ella Kobak) of Pennington Gap, Va. and Rick (Alexandra Allman-Van Zee) of Oakland, Calif. as well as six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, five nieces and nephews and 11 grandnieces and grandnephews. Two brothers also survive him, Kenneth Van Zee and Elbert Van Zee, both of Sacramento, Calif. His beloved sister, Audrey and a nephew, Brian preceded him in death.
The family extends an invitation to all those who wish to attend either of the Memorial services, which will be held concurrently at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 at the Medford, Oregon Westminster Presbyterian Church and at the Carson City, Nevada First Presbyterian Church.