Berkel Family Website

The late Albertis Benesch Berkel was born on the island of Sint Eustatius on March 18,1925 to Josiah and Esther Berkel.

As a teenager he left the island for Curacao to live with his godfather Doctor Benesch, after whom he was named. He later found employment there among others in the Island refinery.

In the sixties he returned to St. Eustatius permanently where he worked with the Government at the Public Works Department. He was subsequently employed at the Statia Terminals for a while. After completing his sixtieth birthday he became a proud "pensioner".  However, he remained a hardworking man, because of his consistent and diligent work as a self-employed farmer.  Even when his health began to fail, whenever he felt well enough he could not resist the urge to "put something in the ground".  He always said that he had to plant something to eat. "I need to have my food" and "nobody going to foolish me".  He has left a  legacy  behind.  He is resting, but his gardens still speak of his work.  If you try to enter his gate or his doorway you must pass over what he has planted.

Benesch in spite of his limitations was in essence a serious man, who was business like and also very independent.  He took life seriously and was realistic to the extent that he even made preparations for his own burial.  When we think of him the text found in Proverbs 22:29 comes to mind:   "Seest thou a man diligent in his business?  He shall stand before kings, he shall not stand before mean men" .

Everyone who cone to know him, knew about his moods and had to learn when to greet him and when not to.  If you did not know, you would soon find out and also learn to bear with him.  One thing those of us who were close to him found out is well was, that he sincerely loved the Lord and when he was feeling well he also loved to testify of God's goodness. He made it his duty to study God's Word every morning and evening and enjoyed singing hymns of praise. We had no problems finding many of his favorite hymns. He will be missed by family and friends.

On December 19, 2005 Benesch was allowed to fell asleep to awake the call of  our Lord, the Life giver.

He leaves to mourn his 5 brothers: Ivan, St. Clair, Samuel, Clifton and Ishmael Berkel, his 3 sisters Pearl Martin, Maria Guy and Vern Spellman, his sistcr-in-law Miriam Berkel and their families and many friends.

The Berkcl family hereby extends their thanks and appreciation to all for their expressions of sympathy and prayers.