John Edward Bykerk

John Edward Bykerek, 96, of Walker born October 5, 1908, in Vries, Drenthe, Netherlands, died Wednesday, August 24, 2005 at his home in Walker, Arizona with his family at his side.  His wife of 63 years, Lorrene Arilla Pritchett Bykerk, (a Prescott native), preceeded him in death in February of 2002.  John is survived by his two sons Loren Bykerk (Betsy) of Glendale, Arizona and Robert Bykerk (Rhonda), of Las Vegas, Nevada and his daughter Sharon Lopeman (Tom) of Walker, Arizona.  Seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren also survive John.  He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1913 at the age of 4 and earned his US citizenship in 1939.  He first came to Prescott in 1937 where he worked on the Hospital building at the the "Whipple Veterans' Facility" and was instrumental in organizing early labor unions.  He was a WWII veteran  and served in the South Pacific with the US Navy.  He raised his family in Tucson, Arizona where he was active in many civic and fraternal organizations including that of the YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, and also served as a past Post Commander of the VFW.  He retired as a supervisor with Department of Economic Security, State of Arizona.  He returned to the Prescott area in 1982, built his home in Walker and was an active member of the Walker Volunteer Fire Department.  He enjoyed fishing, bowling and square dancing.  Family and friends will miss his quick wit and mild manner. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests that donations be made to Lynx Creek Cloggers or to YRMC Hospice.