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

entertaining 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 to

compete 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. 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 the Food Bank at First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque