Van Beek, Milo V.,

was born in Linton, ND on February 13, 1946 to Raymond and Dorothy (Vander Vorst) Van Beek. He grew up in Westfield, ND and graduated from high school in Ellendale, ND in 1964. During his freshman year at Hope College, an automobile accident changed his life, leaving him a quadriplegic. With fierce determination, he regained his independence and earned 2 bachelor's degrees and a master's degree at California State University Long Beach. He taught ESL in the Community Colleges of Orange County for 38 years, inspiring thousands of students. He was respected and loved by all who knew him.

Milo died at home in Santa Ana, CA on August 18, 2011, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by 4 brothers and sisters: Roger, Laguna Woods, CA; Dorinda, Long Beach, CA; Marcia (Jack Kaiser) and Paul (Laurie) of Eau Claire, WI; 4 nephews and nieces; an uncle and 4 aunts; special cousin Michael; special friends Kathy, Diane, Patty; and many loving cousins, friends, colleagues and former students.

Inurnment will be held at Crystal Cathedral Memorial Gardens. Celebration of life service will be held on September 17, 2011 at 10:30 am in McAulay Hall at First Presbyterian Church of Orange, CA.

Memorials will be used to support a scholarship being established in his name by his colleagues and friends at the Community Colleges in Orange County, CA.