of Mountain Home, AR
August 4, 2020
Thomas Peter Van Schaik of Mountain Home, AR, passed away August 4, 2020, at Baxter Regional Medical Center at the age of 73. He was born January 21, 1947 in Chicago, IL to Herman and Katherine Schantz Van Schaik who preceded him in death.
Tom graduated from Mountain Home High School in 1965, the University of Arkansas with a BA in History (1969), and Arkansas Tech University with a Physical Science-Nuclear Option Degree (1990). After graduation from U of A, Tom served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War on the USS Truxton. Following his military service, he worked at Arkansas Nuclear One in Russellville, AR as a Licensed Operator, a Control Room Shift Manager, an Assistant Operations Manager, and Engineer. Tom retired from ANO in 2003 after 28.5 years.
Upon retirement, Tom and his wife returned to his hometown of Mountain Home where he obtained a Real Estate license and was employed by Gilbert Realty from 2005 until his retirement in 2019. Tom was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church. Some of his greatest pleasures were reading, doing crossword puzzles, his annual trip with his brother Ed and his two closest friends, John Qualls and Arlon Woodroof, and keeping in contact with his many work-related friends.
Tom is survived by his wife, Margaret of Mountain Home, a son, Jon Van Schaik of Los Angeles, CA, a daughter, Cara (Christopher) Horn of Dallas, TX, three grandchildren, Adam, Anna and Austin, a sister, Joan Gilbert of Mtn. Home, a brother Ed Van Schaik of Tulsa, OK, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Monday, August 10, 2020, at Roller Funeral Home. The family will not be present during the visitation. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 249 Dyer St., Mountain Home. The funeral home will be providing a Facebook live video for those unable to attend the service, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/RollerMountainHome/
Interment will be private.
Due to COVID-19, we are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. All attendees must provide and wear their own face masks before entering.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
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14 Condolence(s)
Fred Van Buskirk
Monday, August 10, 2020
Dear Margaret,
Mary Ann and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Tom has been a great friend and neighbor. Being in his company was always such a pleasure – at work, on the tennis court or anywhere. I think he and I probably still hold a dubious record for the sheer number of deuce games that we struggled through over at Old Post Park.
His enduring friendship and the memories he has left with us are true and treasured gifts.
Andrea Gray
Monday, August 10, 2020
Mrs. Margaret, Mrs. Joan and family I am very sorry for your loss. Keeping you lifted up in prayer for the days ahead. Thinking of you during this time.
Your friend,
Andrea Gray
Gary Evans
Monday, August 10, 2020
My sincerest condolences to Margaret, Joan and family. I have always enjoyed talking and working with Tom with his intelligence, quick wit and humor. A brother veteran and Christian that will be missed by so many. God bless you all and know Heaven has been increased with Tom’s residence there.
Larry McCollum
Sunday, August 9, 2020
To Tom's family, I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Tom for many years at ANO and he was always a great guy to work with, soft spoken kind of person that got the job done. We all learned a lot from him over the years. He will be missed by many.
Shelia A. Stoner
Sunday, August 9, 2020
Dear Margaret.. Joan and all the Family.. Tom was such a Sweet person. My deepest Sympathy and Condolences as you are going through this difficult time. He will be missed my many!! 🌹
Jim Bodenhamer
Saturday, August 8, 2020
A nicer guy as you'd want to meet and fond memories of our high school days.
Ed Force
Saturday, August 8, 2020
I worked with Tom for many years at ANO and always enjoyed his friendly smile and his positive attitude. My deepest Sympathy to Margaret and family for their loss. My Tom Rest in Pease.
Larry A. Taylor
Saturday, August 8, 2020
I first met Tom at ANO in 1975. We worked closely together on the same shift for the first year or so at ANO. We became very good friends and relied on and helped each other every day.
I can honestly say that in my entire life I never met a nicer man or anyone that was more pleasant to be around than Tom. What a wonderful man he was and an example for us all!
I know he will be missed. I feel blessed and proud to have known Tom and to have spent a few years being his friend. Rest in peace and eternal glory my good friend Tom.
I pray for you Margaret and all of your family during this difficult time.
Larry A. Taylor
Conway, Arkansas
Corinne Hiser
Friday, August 7, 2020
Dearest Margaret,
I am SO sorry for your loss.
I am lifting you up.
With love & sympathy,
Corinne Hiser
Larry Kilby
Friday, August 7, 2020
Tom was an excellent coworker and even better friend. Moments and memories of Tom will be cherished and remembered for all my remaining days. RIP Tom
Danny Reed
Friday, August 7, 2020
I worked for Tom years ago at ANO will always have fond memories of him. He was a kind, soft-spoken, wise man that had a positive influence on my life. His legacy lives on in many. Margaret, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Randall Walters
Thursday, August 6, 2020
I worked with Tom for many years at Arkansas Nuclear One. He was a great supervisor and taught me an incredible amount. His intelligence, humor and integrity made him one of the finest men I ever worked for. My deepest sympathy to his family during this time of loss. I pray you will be comforted by treasuring the wonderful memories you have of Tom.
Velara Crownover Harris
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Remember Tom as a Little Boy riding the Walker Road School Bus.So Sorry to hear of his Passing. Love to All the Family
.Velara
Marianne Schapendonk
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Dear Margaret, Joan and family, Bob and I and Bobby send each of you our deepest condolences and prayers over dearest Tom! Know that we are with you spiritually and are deeply saddened. Tom was the best and our go/to for our real estate assistance ads on line! We will miss his friendship, patience and intelligence! May our Lord’s special blessings shine upon you at this time! Love, Marianne