Obituary of Rik Vanee
Vanee, Rik (April 2 1930-July 5 2018)
A proud Canadian, dad passed peacefully surrounded by his four loving daughters at Douglas Memorial Hospital, after a bold and courageous battle with cancer. He was greeted at heaven’s gates by his loving wife Dirtjke Vanee (Veldhuizen), whom he missed with all his heart.
His four grateful daughters, Alice VanRavenswaay (Ben), Ena Neufeld (John), Jane DeJong (John) and Sharon Vanee (Daniel Melock) will forever have a void in their hearts that cannot be filled by any other. Dad loved and protected us whole heartedly, never leaving a doubt in our minds and we loved him in return.
Rik was a proud Opa of twelve grandchildren, Richard (late Virginie), Isaac (Brenda), Joshua (Melissa), Jason (Rebekkah), Erica (Paul), Angela, Lisa (Cam), Patrick, Daniel (Bailey), Justin, Nathan (Hillary) and Emma. Opa set the standard for love, integrity, honesty and devotion to family, impressed upon his grandchildren.
Opa was also a great Opa to eleven great- grandchildren, Aiden, Gabrielle, Olivia, Harold, Faith, Asher, Lena, Arie, Hendrik, Arlo and Maxim.
When dad left Holland in 1949 he left a large, loving family behind but always maintained a relationship with his brothers and sisters as well as the Van Galen family. This was a gift to us, allowing us to get to know our family in Holland and appreciate a deeper meaning of loyalty. We love our family in Holland and appreciate the bond cemented by our parents.
When dad immigrated to Canada he was loved and welcomed with open arms by mom’s family, the Veldhuizens. They loved dad to his last days on earth and set a shining example of devotion to family. We love you.
Dad was a long-time member of Marantha Reformed Church in Wainfleet, he worked tirelessly in many capacities with his church family who he loved.
Dad spent many hours volunteering at the Port Colborne General Hospital portering patients from their rooms to their physio appointments. He also volunteered at the Port Colborne Food Bank and the Alzheimer’s Society. Dad absolutely LOVED this work he did, it brought him great joy the last several years. To the staff of the Port Colborne Hospital who came to visit dad at home, that visit meant so much to him, thank you for the gift you gave dad of allowing him to volunteer his time.
Dad enjoyed the company of a wide circle of friends who he played cards with and visited frequently.
A special thank you to Dr Kobah, Dr Scher, the nurses at the Dunnville Hospital, the Douglas Memorial Hospital and CCAC for all of their support for dad during the last several months.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Port Colborne Food Bank.
We love you Dad, you will be missed, forever in our hearts.
Visitation will be at Maranatha Reformed Church, 42817 Hwy 3, Wainfleet on Monday, July 9, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Tuesday, July 10th at 1pm at Marantha Reformed Church.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rik
Vanee 1930 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Dunnville, Province: Ontario