PAUL JAN VANDER VOET
November 22, 1953 – June 12, 2014
Paul passed away early Thursday morning at Nanaimo Hospital of esophageal cancer. He was born in Edmonton, the youngest son of Anne Elizabeth Marinus Vander Voet and Laurens Vander Voet. In 1950 Paul’s parents immigrated from Holland to Canada’s west with their two older sons, Laurens (Larry) and Anthony (Tony). Paul was always their little brother and they will miss him.
Paul was a good student and graduated from the University of Alberta (Edmonton) with a degree in Civil Engineering. He gravitated to the West Coast and Nanaimo, as a young man, when he found his first job with G.W. Carlson Construction Ltd.
He remained there during his entire career, serving the marine salvage company in a number of capacities. He was still employed there as Project Coordinator of the GWC Group, when his illness was diagnosed. Many thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Carlson and other colleagues, who supported Paul during his illness.
An avid windsurfer in his younger days, Departure Bay was one of his favourite venues. He visited the Bay last fall to show family members this cherished spot. He enjoyed darts with friends at the local pub, cycling and photography.
Several family members visited with him in the weeks before his death. The family is enormously grateful for the gracious care which Arla Vander Voet, a wonderful friend and sister-in-law, provided for him in the final months of his life.
He will be remembered fondly by his brothers Larry and Tony, by sister-in-laws Lynn Patching, Arla Vander Voet and Susan McCrae; nieces Dana West, Tiffany Strachan and Andrea Vander Voet and Lauren Vander Voet; by nephews Larry Patching, Kyle Patching, David Vander Voet and Landon Vander Voet.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Kulla, Drs. Reiger, King and Spry, home care nurses, Barb and Terry, home care staff and the Canadian Red Cross for their care and support during his Paul’s illness.
As he wished, Paul will be cremated and there will be no services. Friends and family are invited to make a donation to their local cancer society or the Canadian Red Cross in Paul’s memory.