Donald (Don) William Vanderbeek passed away in his home in the mountains of Malibu, Calif. on Jan. 31. He suffered from esophageal cancer and complications that were discovered one year ago. Family members say his positive attitude throughout the past year was beyond description, always making friends with everyone he encountered.
Vanderbeek was born in Dearfield, Ill. on Aug. 9, 1949. He was the son of Presbyterian minister, Dr. Bernard, and Genevieve Vanderbeek. His childhood was spent in Holland, Mich., Knoxville, Tenn., and Charleston, W. Va., where he graduated from George Washington High School in 1967. Vanderbeek received a bachelor’s degree from The Dayton Art Institute in 1972.
Vanderbeek started at Graphics Three in Dayton, Ohio, and moved to the Dayton Daily News, where he became art director. His impact during his 15 years was substantial, as the art department became a force of change for newspapers.
In 1995, Vanderbeek moved to California and began to work with animation studios such as MGM, Hanna Barberra, Nickelodeon, Disney and “The Simpsons.” Vanderbeek’s illustrations were featured in children’s books, conceptual storyboards for movies and national magazines, touching everyone who saw them.
Vanderbeek was generous with his art, always creating a card or painting for someone. All were welcome in his home, which he described as a museum. From geodes, fossils and civil war artifacts, to his beloved library of art, film and naturalist books, he took great care of them all.
A memorial service will take place at a later date.