Willem Vlaanderen

Willem (Bill) Vlaanderen of Pritchard passed away on 21 April 2023 at 85 years of age.

He is survived by his loving wife, Helen; his 5 children, Sjaan Dunbar (Jim) of Stony Mountain, MB; Guy Vlaanderen (Kathy) of Pritchard; Jamie Sullivan (Tony) of Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA; Kari Vlaanderen of Chilliwack, BC; and Belinda Szakal (Mike) of Salmon Arm, BC.

Bill’s Grandchildren include Christina, Candice, Shane, Shealynn, Kyle, Gerrica, Kiefer, Keenan, Keesha, Roman, Bryan, Kayla and Ariel.  He had 32 Great-grandchildren and 3 Great-great-grandchildren.

Bill was predeceased by his older brother, Barend, his younger Sister, Fenna and his previous wives Gladys (Traverse) and Florence (Kennedy).

Born in Holland 1938, Bill endured the horrors of Germany’s occupation.  He emigrated to Canada with his Mother and sister at the tender age of 16. His plumbing and welding skills led to an excellent Canadian work history, including equipment operator for Kootenay Park when traffic was rare and snow was deep; being a mechanic and logging truck driver in Canal Flats; working as a mechanic for Arrow for at least 20 years; and “retiring” to work full time on Lucky Strike Ranch in Pritchard with his late wife, Florence.

Bill was an avid sports buff. He played his last full hockey tournament at 72 years old and was an active curler well into his 84th year. In Holland he was a soccer hopeful being groomed for the Netherlands team. Hup! Holland! He was a long-time season ticket holder for the Kamloops Blazers and enjoyed watching Canucks, Blue Jays, Mariners, and, of course, all the curling games.

There will be a memorial “bring your own picnic” at the Chase Memorial Park (by the beach and dock) from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a “drop in” anytime basis. Please feel free to bring your family and friends, chairs, etc, and umbrellas if it rains.

Bill’s ashes have now been scattered at a private place of his choosing.

Special thanks to Bill’s family and extended family for all their loving assistance. 

Memorial donations may be made to The Chase Curling Club Treasurer at [email protected] or to Helen at the picnic or by mail and she will pass them along to the Treasurer.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: