A resident of the area for the past 37 years, Pieter van Veen passed away peacefully at the Orchard View Retirement Home in Manotick, on Saturday, August 15, 2015, following a lengthy illness. He was 74.
Pieter was born on May 2, 1941, in Siegerswoude, Friesland in the Netherlands. Pieter, one of eight children had two older brothers, one younger brother and four sisters.
His early years saw him growing up in a rural Dutch setting. One of his first jobs in his early teens involved a 3:30 a.m. start and regular milk pick-ups for the local milk factory.
In the late 50’s, many families set their sights on emigration to other countries to start a new life. Pieter’s brother, Ron, decided to make the move to Canada in ‘57. By 1960, when Pieter was 19, he also decided to take the journey across the ocean and caught a flight to Canada.
In those early years, as a new immigrant, Pieter found work in the lumber business. Being a man of faith, he also regularly attended the Pembroke Christian Reformed Church.
Pieter met Jitske “Jean” Veenstra in Pembroke, and they were married in April of 1963. By 1970, they had a family of four – three boys and one girl and had moved to Southwestern Ontario. During these years, Pieter worked at Rockwell International Steel Plant in Chatham, Ontario.
In the early 70’s, he followed his farming dream and bought a small hobby farm near Merlin, Ontario.
The prospect of getting a larger farm drew Pieter and the rest of the family to Eastern Ontario in 1978. It was here that Pieter was an active member of consistory at Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church serving numerous terms on council.
Pieter loved to travel. Over the years, he and Jean travelled all over North America, parts of Europe and even Israel. Besides travelling, he felt a strong compulsion to give back through volunteering. Whether it was CRWRC rebuilding projects in the Southern United States or giving somebody a ride to a doctor’s appointment, he was there to give his time to help others.
Pieter left a legacy and passed along valuable life principles and he led by example: family, commitment, treating people with respect, work ethic, honesty, responsibility and faith in God. Pieter will be sorely missed as a devoted husband, a caring father, a loving grandfather and a true friend.
Pieter is survived by his wife Jean and his children Peter (Cathy) of Kemptville, Andrew (Betty-Ann) of Ingleside, Terry (Donna) of Grande Prairie and Amy Ricardo (Eufemio) of Ottawa.
He is survived by his siblings Tjalling (Heindrie †) of the Netherlands, Ronus (Meika) of Chatham, Appie De Vries (Bram †), Lutske Rinzema (Folkert), Tryntje Meetsma (Sieger) and Hendrik, all of the Netherlands.
Pake and Grandpa will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Meagan, Nathan, Kaitlyn (Andrew), David (Katie), Gregory, Emily, Joshua, Shayne, Rebeca and Samantha. He was predeceased by his sister Hennie van Veen †. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Tuesday, August 18th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral service was held at the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church on Wednesday, August 19th, at 11 a.m., with Rev. John Noordhof officiating. Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.
Pallbearers were: Peter van Veen, Andrew van Veen, Terry van Veen, Nathan van Veen, David van Veen, Gregory van Veen, Joshua van Veen, and Shayne van Veen.
Honourary pallbearers were: Meagan van Veen, Kaitlyn van Veen, Rebeca Ricardo, Emily van Veen, and Samantha Ricardo.
Donations to Timothy Christian School would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.
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