Our wonderful father and Opa passed away after a very brief illness at the age of 85. He was predeceased by our mother Corry (1930-1972) and stepmother Gabriella (1939-2010). He is survived by his loving children MaryAnn (Don Charge), Neil (Sue) and John (Florence), and grandchildren Farrin, James and Jack.
Dad was born March 8, 1929 in Lisse, the Netherlands and emigrated to Canada in 1947. After a lengthy career with Canadian Forest Products, Dad retired at the age of 61 and returned to his love of horticulture with a garden to be envied. He and our mom, Gabriella, enjoyed a full life in Courtenay, enriched by great friends and neighbours. Dad was a great story teller, a font of knowledge and gentleman to the end. He enjoyed his independence and spent his final year at the Comox Valley Seniors Village where the staff became a second family to him.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, November 3rd at 11:00am from Christ the King Roman Catholic Church with Father Marek Paczka celebrant, followed by burial at Courtenay Civic Cemetery.