Paul P. Verdegaal passed away peacefully on Nov. 14, 2009, at his Ripon residence at the age of 80. Paul was born Oct. 24, 1929 in Noordwijkerhout, Holland and has lived here in Ripon, CA, for the last 60 years. Paul grew up in Holland during WWII and boarded a freighter ship with his mother and siblings to make their way to the United States during his early teens. The family arrived in Baltimore, MD, and then made their way to Stockton, CA, by train in 1949. Paul worked as a dairy man for 13 years and an almond farmer for 47 years.

Paul was preceded by his 1st wife Clara J. Verdegaal and survived by his 2nd wife of 17 years Vangie Verdegaal. Paul has 6 children: Paul Verdegaal Jr. of Acampo, CA; Bob Verdegaal of Ripon, CA; Frank Gomes of Silversprings, NV; John Sheetz of Oakdale, CA; Debra Kenobbie of Georgetown, CA and Diane Caton of Atwater, CA; 6 siblings: Pete Verdegaal of Modesto, CA; Alie Van Ryn of Escalon, CA; Jane Dubbs, JoAnn Smallwood, Ann Anderson and Willie Hockenberry, all of Modesto, CA; 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. A Rosary/Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Friday, Nov. 20th at Noon with a committal service at Burwood Cemetery.  In loving memory of Paul, donations may be made to the Ripon Fire Department at 142 S. Stockton Ave. Ripon, CA 95366 or Community Hospice at 4368 Spyres Way Modesto, CA 95356. Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel is in charge of services and an online guest registry is available at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com