Obituary of Michael Van Damme

Michael Van Damme, age 56, born November 27, 1957, passed away at his home after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, February 12, 2014. Mike was a lifelong resident of New Mexico, graduating from Valley High School in 1975 and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education from the College of Santa Fe. Mike had a great love for basketball. He played basketball for the Valley High School Vikings, and also played basketball at the College of Santa Fe. He loved to go fishing and was loved by many. Mike will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and his sense of humor. For the last 15 years he was a school teacher, most recently at Alcalde and Chimayo Elementary schools, where he loved and was loved by his students. Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Van Damme and younger brother Anthony Van Damme. He is survived by his father, Tony Van Damme; his son, Ernest; his sisters, Rose Bell and husband Jim, Gina Cordova, Becky Pelletier and husband Paul; nephews, Michael and Mark Garcia and Tristan Cordova, and niece, Lauren Cordova. Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Thursday, February 20th, 2014 at 10:00 AM, with Mass of Resurrection to be celebrated at 10:30 AM, at San Ysidro Catholic Church, located at 5015 Corrales Rd, Corrales NM. Pallbearers will be Michael Garcia, Mark Garcia, Tristan Cordova, Henry Saavedra, Sam Calderon, Ron Estrada. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tucker Spalding and Art Sanchez.