Roy Joseph Van den Heuvel passed away on July 15, 2023, in his home surrounded by family. He was 91, just 4 days from his 92nd birthday.
A Rosary will be held on Saturday, August 12th at 11:00 am at Hooper and Weaver Chapel located at 459 Hollow Way, Nevada City, CA 95959.
Roy was born on July 19, 1931, in San Francisco, CA, to Cyril and Loretta Van den Heuvel. He had one sister, Gayle Zurth, and the family grew up in Layfette, CA. Roy graduated in 1953 from Menlo College. Roy married Dorothy Gail Bargones on August 15, 1953, in Orinda, CA. Roy and Gail have four children: Paula, Roy, Mark and Greg. In 1955, the family moved to Sacramento, CA, where Roy attended McGeorge School of Law at night while working. Roy passed the California Bar in 1963 and was appointed Sutter County Public Defender on September 1, 1964. He served as the head of the Public Defender’s office for 38 years until retiring on December 30, 2002. He continued his private law practice until 2011. Roy and Gail moved to Lake Wildwood in 1990 where they built their dream home.
Roy and Gail loved to travel and visited every continent around the world. Roy was excited to plan each trip in fine detail and couldn’t wait to have the travel experience of a lifetime. Roy had a passion for water and enjoyed sailing in the bay area. He was an active snow and water skier for many years. He also loved golf and moved to Lake Wildwood to pursue his passion. Roy cared about giving back to his community. He served as a board member for Sutter Union High School where his kids attended school. In Yuba City, he started the Awareness House where troubled youth could get counseling and help.
Roy’s passion was for his family. Although Roy had a busy career, he made time to attend every baseball game, Scouts events, planned great vacations, and even took his daughter on special shopping trips. He prioritized his family and was always there to mentor, direct, support and love. He deeply believed he had a wonderful life and the best family. He will be missed and always will be in our hearts and memories.
Roy is survived by his wife, Gail Van den Heuvel of 70 years, daughter Paula Achurra and husband Robert of Fallon, NV, sons Roy Jr. and wife Anna of Montgomery, TX, Mark and wife Lori of Yuba City, CA, Greg and wife Susan of Arden, NC, grandchildren, Stephen Achurra and wife Susan of Portland OR, Christina Roebuck and husband Ryan of Yuba City, CA, Ashley Hunt and husband Jade of Montgomery, TX, Melissa Steidlmayer and husband Brenan of Live Oak, CA, as well as six great grandchildren, Serenity Achurra, Bailey and Carson Steidlmayer, Luke, Owen and Emma Roebuck.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cyril (Van) and Loretta Van den Heuvel, his sister, Gayle Zurth, and his grandson, Matthew Achurra.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Hospice of the Foothills.
