10/06/2026
We lost a beloved member of our community, Gerald (Jake) Barkdoll, on August 29. He was 92.
A service to honor Jake will be held at First Unitarian on October 10, 2026, at noon, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Casa Rosa Food Bank in Placitas or First Unitarian's own Food Bank.
Here is his obituary from French Funerals & Cremations:
"Dr. Gerald (Jake) Barkdoll, 92, died on the morning of August 29th, 2026. Whether you believe in a soul or a spirit, heaven, gods, or God, one thing is certain: Jake's contagiously kind, positive, and passionate energy comes back to us all in the wake of his passing.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda Suydam, to whom he was more than a loving and devoted husband; Jake was her partner, cheerleader, and best friend. He is also survived by his brother Skip and predeceased by brother Mike. He also leaves behind his devoted extended family, including sisters-in-law Kathy and Christine, and eight nieces and nephews, and many grandnieces/nephews. He was a loving uncle who is remembered for his kind, creative, and silly nature, piano-playing prowess, and love of all types of games (which came in handy children of all ages).
Jake was born on his grandfather's dairy farm in Franklin County, PA, in 1934. In true rural America fashion, he attended a one-room schoolhouse and worked on the farm. Initially thinking he would study mechanical engineering to help his father fix their farming equipment, he enrolled in Drexel University (at the time, Drexel Institute) in 1952. However, he switched his focus and received a degree in Civil Engineering, later earning his MBA from that same institution. During that time, Jake was a member of ROTC and, after graduating, spent 2 years in Germany with the Army. This was his first chance to go overseas, which ignited his passion for travel. Jake continued with his education, attending a doctoral program in Business Administration at New York University. He had a self-described "nagging social conscience" and, after 13 years in the private sector, was hired by the Food and Drug Administration. He was incredibly dedicated to the FDA and its mission. He spent 23 years at the FDA- most notably as the Associate Commissioner for Planning and Evaluation. During this tenure, he attended the doctoral program at the University of Southern California. He received his Doctor of Public Administration from USC's Washington Public Affairs Center in 1982 and later served as the Center's director. In 1985, Jake was awarded the AEA's Myrdal Award for the quality and utility of evaluations performed in federal government. He was also a two-time winner of the federal government's Presidential Rank Award for senior executives. In 2001, Jake was the recipient of the FDA's Distinguished Alumni Award for his innovative leadership and exemplary service to the FDA in establishing the Agency's strategic management framework. Fun fact: Linda also won this award in 2008. What a power couple!
Jake and Linda were lucky enough to travel the world together, often travelling with friends and family to far-flung locales. Their favorite destinations include New Zealand, Scotland, and remote South Pacific islands. But most of all, they cherished their yearly trip to Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Many friends and family were able to travel with them to the BVI over the years, sharing in the delights of the beaches, the Baths, and, of course, the rich aquatic life through many snorkelling excursions.
Curious, creative, and quiet until he wasn't, Jake was a problem-solver. He understood how to talk about complex topics and find solutions. He loved inventing and tinkering and all types of play- whether it was piano, collecting vintage arcade games, or volleyball. Most people know that Jake's great love, after Linda, of course, was volleyball. Jake was the backbone of the MAC volleyball team for more than 30 years. They medaled in the Huntsman World Senior Games and Senior Olympic Games and many other regional and national tournaments. He continued tocompete in the Senior Olympics until he was 91. Embodying his passion for lifelong learning, Jake picked up more sports and activities after the age of 90, including long jump and discus, simply because he could.
Jake was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist congregation in Albuquerque, NM, where he served on the Building and Grounds committee, as well as delivering a sermon on Wealth Inequality."
