Arnold Jan van Essen, born on July 9, 1941, in Enschede, Netherlands to parents Jan van Essen and Engalida (Bevers) van Essen. Went to meet his Lord and Saviour on August 20, 2022, at Erie Shores Healthcare after a brief illness at the age of 81 years.
The family van Essen emigrated to Canada in February 1952 on the S.S. Zuiderkruis, and landed at Pier 21 in Halifax with father Jan, mother Engalida, sons John, Arnold, and young daughter Jeannette. They settled near Ottawa where later, baby brother William (Billy) was a Canadian addition to the family. Arnold is predeceased by his parents, brother John, sister-in-law Pat, and sister-in-law Anne (Bill), infant son David (1977) and daughter Lorri (2022).
He married Nancy Randall (2014), with whom he had 4 children: Sandra, Lorri (2022), David (1977), and Brian. He is survived by sister Jeannette (Paul Hilborn) and brother Bill, two children Sandra (Dave Salls), and Brian, grandsons Braxton, Hunter, and several nieces and nephews.
He married Lucille Dinyarian in 2007 and settled in Kingsville. He is sadly missed by his sweetheart, and the many members of Lucille’s family.
An avid reader, and ever the storyteller, he entertained with stories of bygone days and of science and politics in his own humorous way. He enjoyed travelling with Lucille in their Roadtrek motorhome, and covered North America from south to north, east to west and west to east. Being a very creative Mr. Fixit, many spare parts collected in his workshop. He also volunteered in the many activities that Lucille dragged him into.
In the last years, memory loss robbed Arnold and those he loved of the wonderful spirit of joy that was his characteristic. Thank you to Dr. DeMars and a very special thank you to the wonderful caring nurses that have cared for Arnold in the hospital.
Visitation will be held for Arnold on Friday, August 26, 2022, at St. John de Brebeuf Catholic Church (67 Main St E, Kingsville, ON N9Y 1A1) from 10 a.m. until the mass of Christian burial to begin at 11 a.m. A private family burial will be held at a later date in Oakland Cemetery in Glencoe, ON.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Canadian Food for Children, 1258 Lakeshore Road E., Mississauga, ON L5E 1E9.
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August 20 2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Arnold van Essen – Kingsville Celebration Centre August 20 2022..
Décès pour la Ville:Kingsville, Province: Ontario