Obituary
Print Obituary
It is with great sadness that Franks’ family announces the peaceful passing of Frank van Gaalen on April 9th, 2020 at Chilliwack General Hospital at the age of 87.
Frank was born and grew up in Loosduinen, The Netherlands. The 6th of 11 children. In 1953 he married Annie. They lived in Den Helder above the hardware store where he worked. In 1959 they moved to Ontario, with their two children Anne Marie and Andre. Shirley was born in Ontario shortly thereafter.
In 1970 they moved from Ontario to British Columbia. The fishing was far better there! Frank retired from his work as a sprinkler fitter in 1992. Frank and Annie decided that Young Lake, was the place for them, and built their dream home by the lake. They worked and played hard through the winters and summers for 20 years. Frank was known as “the man to go to if you needed anything”. In 2015 Frank knew that at 83, it was time to give up that wonderful lifestyle and take up full time residence in Chilliwack, BC.
His devoted wife Annie and children Anne Marie, her husband Carlos; Andre, his wife Dale; and Shirley, her husband George; brother Andre and sister Agnes survive Frank. And all the nieces and nephews who are too numerous to name. Frank has 3 grandchildren – Russell, Ryan and Nicole and 1 great grandchild – Jayden. We were blessed to have him as a Husband, Father and Grandfather.
The family will be spreading Franks’ ashes at his chosen spot at Young Lake.
A special thank you to all the nurses in ICU and 3 North at Chilliwack Hospital. Also an enormous thank you to Meagan one of the many RT staff who was there for dad when he needed them most. They all showed their respect and admiration for Dad. They worked hard to make Frank comfortable during the last 2 months of his life. Also thank you to the staff at Dr. Mackenzie’s office who helped Annie and Anne Marie through this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Please feel free to share photos and memories.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Frank van Gaalen April 20 1922
April 9 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Abbotsford, Province: Colombie britanique