Friday, February 16, 2018 at 12:00 a.m.
Vander Heyden, John
JOHN VANDER HEYDEN, beloved husband of Mary Vander Heyden, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 12, 2018 at the age of 85 years.
JOHN VANDER HEYDEN, beloved husband of Mary Vander Heyden, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 12, 2018 at the age of 85 years.
John was born September 12, 1932 in Gemert, Netherlands. The second son of Leonardus and Hendrica van der Heijden, John was raised on a farm in Holland with his six brothers and three sisters. Of these, he is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Leo, Piet, and Martien, and his sisters Diny and Christine, whose spouses Tiny, Leentje, Wim, and Theo, are still with us. He is survived by his brothers Henk (Trude), Anton (Annie), and Gerard (Elly) and his sister Marie.
In 1957, along with many other adventurous young bachelors from Holland, John went by boat to immigrate to Canada to settle in southern Alberta's farming community. In 1959, he returned to Holland to marry and bring back his loving wife, Maria Loman.
In Picture Butte, John and Mary bought a farm and together they raised six children. John is survived by his wife, Mary, his sons Peter (Manon), John (Brenda) and Robert (Angie); his daughters Marlene (Brad) Mariette (Dave) and Pauline Simpson; 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, with his family continuing to grow in size...
John was always very active in community building. John became a passionate supporter of the beef livestock industry and was a delegate on the Alberta Cattle Commission for over ten years. He was a founding member of the North County Interfaith Food Bank. John was instrumental in fundraising to build the North County Recreation Complex and with his playful sense of humour he secretly built a family of log people that quietly appeared in front of the Rec Center, one by one in the year 2000 and which for a long time remained a mystery as Picture Butte's Millennial Family. John was the only Albertan to ever receive a license from the Alberta Government to capture red squirrels and he built large cages for them which he installed at various seniors centres including the Piyami Lodge, all for research into recreational therapy.
As a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, John was one of several people who received the International Patriot Award for his 1995 work to honour the Canadian Soldiers who helped liberate the Netherlands in World War II, a war he lived through as a young boy. In 2006, the Picture Butte Chamber of Commerce presented John with the Murray Kane Achievement Award, an award the Town of Picture Butte presents annually to a deserving resident to recognize their achievements and contribution to the community.
John Vander Heyden Sr. is now in our Lord's hands and is dearly missed and forever remembered by his family and friends.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. with Father Roque Pereira celebrating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North County Interfaith Food Bank, 326 Highway Avenue, Picture Butte, AB, T0K 1V0.
Guestbook (19)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of John.
Pauline I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. Do take care.
We are so very sorry to hear of John's Passing! He was such an amazingly kind and gentle man who will be missed terribly by all who knew him, and by those who's lives he touched with his kindness. We hope knowing your grief is shared among all who knew him helps ease the burden and if there's anything we can do, don't hesitate to let us know.
To Oma Mary, Pauline, Michael, Luke and Abby we send our deepest sympathy. John was a wonderful man and we enjoyed his visits at the auction market. He and Dave had no end of stories to tell about their Grandkids. Love Grandpa Dave and Grandma Carol.
I hope I am not too late to send my deepest sympathies. I just found this news...some hours too late. I am very sorry to hear this news. I know he will be greatly missed. Wishing you love and prayers. Lynn
Dear Mary ,Peter,John,Robert,Marlene,Marietta and Pauline, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband and father.He was always so friendly and said hello.May your memories help you through this difficult time. Bob and Joanne Kubik
To Pauline: Thinking of you during this difficult time and wishing you moments of peace and comfort.
To Michael, Luke & Abby: We are so sorry for the loss of your grandfather. Sending healing, prayers and comforting hugs. Love, your Aunt & Uncle
Mary & Family With deepest sympathies on your loss. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal." John was a very special person. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with you during this sad time. Love Thelma & Brian
Our thoughtss and prayers are for you Mary and family. We were blessed to have known John. He was a fine man.
Our sincere sympathy to Mary and all the children, grandchildren with the passing away of John. John was such a pleasant, kind man and we have many fond memories of him. We hope the Lord may strengthen you at this difficult time and in the future. Sincerely; Kees & Wilma
We are sorry to hear the passing of John,Our deepest sympathy to all the Family.
Mary, he was a wonderful man with many great stories. He will always be remembered with kind thoughts. As close as a memory forever.
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. John was a great man who will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.....Love......The Bezooyen's
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of John. He will always be remembered as a strong, loving, caring man. Our deepest condolences to the Vander Heyden family during this very difficult time. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you.
To Pauline and family, we are sorry to hear the news on the passing of your father...are thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Patrick & Becky
Our deepest condolences with the passing of John. He will be dearly missed. Praying for your family during this difficult time
OUR HEARTS ARE SAD..Great Friend...God Father.....Master of Ceremonies ...Will always be in our hearts....HUGS FOR YOU TANTE MARITJE.....
Our deepest condolences to Mary and her family. I knew John as a kind, cheerful person. Rest in Peace, John