Loeks, C. David
C. David Loeks, Professor Emeritus, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 after a long illness. He was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., April 7, 1923. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jeanette Loeks, White Cloud, Mich., sisters Elizabeth Bowman, Janna Monson, and brother, John D. Loeks.
He is survived by his loving wife, Julie; sons Derk W. of Santa Fe, N.M. and David A. and wife Deb of Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, and six grandchildren.
He was a Navy pilot in World War II, Pacific Theater; received his BS in Landscape Architecture, Michigan State University, 1949; Masters in City Planning MIT, 1950; Director of City planning St. Paul, Minnesota 1952-57; Executive Director Twin Cities, Met Planning Commission, St. Paul, Minn. 1957-1966; President and CEO; Mid Hudson Pattern for Progress Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 1966-1980; Professor, Chairman of Graduate Program in regional and urban planning at Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va. 1980-88; Executive Director of Hudson Basin Project 1973-76; Hudson Center for Environmental Management 1976-81; Consultant, Public Affairs Program, Ford Foundation 1960-66; President of Planning Foundation of America 1968-70; Member Transportation Research Board, National Academy of Science, 1969-78; Member, American Institute of Certified Planners (Secretary-Treasurer 1960-62, Vice-President 1962-64, President 1964-66); Member, American Planning Association; Member, American Land Forum (Chairman 1981-82, President, 1982-84); Phi Kappa Beta Alpha Sigma.
His home was in Blacksburg, Va.; David avidly loved nature and wilderness, even as he planned and nurtured the man-adapted environment. His professional and academic work emphasized the relationship between man and nature. He is well-loved by his many students from around the world, and he is loved, admired, and missed by his family.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 1260 Ekhart NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Dad: you were husband, father, mentor, problem-solver, warrior, teacher and advocate, philosopher, athlete, artist and craftsman: a true Renaissance Man. We love you and our prayers are with you. Godspeed. “Life is too serious to be taken seriously.” C.D.L.