Frank Peter John Velsen
84, of Gabriola Island, quietly passed away at the Nanaimo Seniors Village on March 28, 2015.
Frank was born August 12, 1930, in the Netherlands to Pieter and Margarite (Quast) Velsen, He was raised in Indonesia where he spent most of his early childhood. He came to Canada on one of the immigrant ships, landing in Halifax in 1954.
Frank was a prolific reader and was continually learning. He was known for his endless sense of humour and love of nature - the songs of the birds and the howl of the wolf were music to his ears. He had the ability to enjoy life wherever it took him. Frank worked at a job he truly loved at the Nanaimo Biological Station for 30 years where, in addition to other accomplishments, he pioneered new photography techniques of salmon egg development. He always looked forward to spending time with his family and friends and he always had time for a chat, a joke and a smile.
Frank is survived by his wife, Anne Velsen (Brown); his sister and her husband, Jan Roelof & Eveline Branbergen; daughter, Christine Velsen; son; Martin Velsen, son and wife; Adam & Josee Velsen, grandchildren; Keana & Kaleb and brother in-law and wife, Doug and Kathy Brown.
He was a true gentleman, forever in our hearts! At Frank’s request, there will only be a small gathering of family and close friends honoring and celebrating his life.