It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Arie van der Linden of Bellevue, Alberta who peacefully passed away while surrounded by his loving family on August 13, 2013 at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre at the age of 84 years.
Arie was born on March 15, 1929 in Gouda, Netherlands to Peter & Jannigje van der Linden. Along with his thirteen siblings, he was taught to appreciate what he had, to work hard and take pride in that work and all the blessings that comes from a large family. He and his family witnessed the hardships and violence of war and made the decision to leave Holland to have a more prosperous life. They immigrated to Picture Butte, in 1950 where Arie began working in the sugar beet fields where he met the sweetest and prettiest young lady, Elizabeth “Betsie” Verbaas. They delighted in each other’s company and found summer work at the Bellevue Bakery. They were wed on April 24, 1954 in Picture Butte, Alberta and were blessed with their own family of twelve children. Arie later found work at Burmis Lumber Co. and later at Phillips’ Cables. He also worked for a time at Atlas Lumber and on December 23, 1994, he chose a well-deserved retirement.
Arie’s passions included hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, visiting the family farm, baking amazing pastries, a fine cigarette along with his cup of coffee, playing softball and soccer in his youth and the occasional joke on family and friends. He loved laughter and a good one-sided debate. He would give a wink to the ladies and speak his mind amongst his friends but his greatest joy came from his family whom he cherished above all else. He was an inspiration to his family and loyal friend to this community. He will be missed.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Betsie van der Linden of Bellevue; his children, Peter van der Linden of Bellevue, John (Lisa Tuza) van der Linden of Coleman, Arie Jr. (Celia) van der Linden of MacKenzie, BC, George (Helga) van der Linden of Hinton, Fred van der Linden of Bellevue, Jack van der Linden of Bellevue, Doreen (Gordon) Glavin of Hillcrest, Stan (Kim) van der Linden of Strathmore, Brian van der Linden of Bellevue, Betty (Dane) Newton of Hillcrest and Gloria (Brad) Navratil of Bellevue; fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; his brothers, Art (Elaine) van der Linden, Casey (Eve) van der Linden, Peter (Willy) van der Linden, John (Mel) van der Linden and Henry van der Linden; his sisters, Jennie Brandsma and Mya Sandover; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Peter & Jannigje van der Linden; his precious son, David van der Linden; and his sisters, Audrey van der Linden, Emmy van der Linden, Thea Suurd, Alie Heres, Audrey Post and Marie Sauer.
The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 2:00 pm in the M.D. McEachern Community Complex in Bellevue with Pastor Al Robinson officiating. The interment followed at the Passburg Union Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Dane Newton, Marc Ostrensky, Rochelle Abma, David Glavin, Brad Navratil, Rory van der Linden, Brett Newton and Dillon Newton.
Donations in memory may be directed towards S.T.A.R.S. Air Ambulance, Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary AB T2E 8M7 and condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.
Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.