Dick Jan Kolkman

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Dick Jan Kolkman, 86, of Sanford who died suddenly in his home on December 7, 2020.

Dick was born January 10, 1934 to the late Hermanus and Johanna Derkson Kolkman in Surabaya Indonesia; Dick's father was a Sea Captain in the Dutch merchant marines. As a seven-year-old child, Dick was separated from his father, mother, and baby brother and was held by the Japanese as a prisoner of war. While in this Indonesian prison camp, he was forced to perform hard labor and work in the fields. After WWII Dick left his native country of the Netherlands and immigrated to the United States. Once here, he was immediately employed by the Union Switch & Signal Company in Pittsburgh, PA, where he spent his entire career. While working, he earned his Electrical Engineering degree by attending night school for ten years at the University of Pittsburgh. Over the years, Dick earned a total of five US patents for his work in developing specialized circuits used to create or improve the safety of railroad signaling devices. He retired in 2000 as a Senior Engineer - Research and Development and later moved to Sanford, North Carolina. In his spare time, he enjoyed 'antiquing' and gardening. Dick never met a piece of dark chocolate he didn't like.

Dick is survived by his wife of nearly sixty years, Alma and their children; daughter Erin (husband, Sheridan), and son Richard (wife Denise); six grandchildren, Nola, Lauren, Megan, Christopher, Claire, and Addison.

There will be a memorial and celebration of Dick's life held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to his favorite charity, the Salvation Army, 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314. Services entrusted to Adcock Funeral Home and Crematory, Spring Lake.