THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 13, 1996 TAG: 9606130337
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B6 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: 49 lines
Berwyn Beall Gehgan, 82, of Chesopian Colony, died Tuesday, June 11, 1996, at Hillhaven Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, First Colonial Road, Virginia Beach.
Mr. Gehgan was born in Hoquim, Wash., on April 6, 1914. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bessie L. Beall and father, John H. Geoghegan, whom were both residents of Washington State. He graduated from Hoquim High School and furthered his education at the University of Washington in Seattle. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in International Trade and Marketing and a degree in Business Administration. He was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.
He served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1940-1947 in both the Atlantic and Pacific campaigns. He was commanding officer of several combatants running convoys in the Atlantic and was also present for the signing of the Japanese surrender.
Mr. Gehgan and his wife moved East to become general manager of North American Poultry Cooperative, Inc. of New York City where he worked for forty years. He was a member of the New York Mercantile Exchange and was on the board of directors for several other International Egg and Poultry Cooperatives. He was a member of the Eisenhower ``People to People'' International Trade Commission and toured Europe, Eastern Europe and Russia during the 1960's and 70's.
Mr. Gehgan and family resided in Mahwah, N.J., for 40 years and moved to Virginia Beach in 1985. He was a member of the Ramsey Mens Forum, former President of the Chesopian Colony Civic League and Kempsville Chapter of the A.A.R.P. He was active in the Widowed Persons Service and a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge (NU)39. He was a member of the Community United Methodist Church of Kempsville.
Mr. Gehgan was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Gertrude M. Stretz of Binghamton, N.Y., and a brother, Evan R. Geoghegan from Washington State.
Mr. Gehgan is survived by a sister, Kathleen G. Fisher, and two brothers, Richard E. Geoghegan and Edgar D. Geoghegan of Washington State; two daughters, Dorothy W. Heim and Virginia F. Gehgan of Virginia Beach; a son-in-law, George R. Heim and two grandchildren, Morgan E. Heim and Dustin A. Heim of Virginia Beach.
A funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 17, at the Community United Methodist Church of Kempsville with a reception immediately following in the Community Hall. Dr. G. Keith Almond, Pastor, will preside. Interment will be at Princess Anne Memorial Park, 1110 Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, following the reception. Memorial donations may be made to the Community United Methodist Church Organ Fund or to the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, in lieu of flowers and would be deeply appreciated.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB