Obituary - Everett Vander Heiden
Everett Vander Heiden
1933 - 2018
Everett Vander Heiden, beloved husband of Cathy Vander Heiden of Medicine Hat, passed away on Friday, March 23, 2018, at the age of 84 years. Besides his wife, Cathy, Everett leaves to cherish his memory six children, John (Carmen), Leroy (Kerrie Gauthier), Rita (Doug) Scott, Everett (Maryann), Evelyn (Joe Seitz) and Michael (Nancy); eleven grandchildren, Tyler (Rachel Krueger), Jacqueline (Brad Steinke) and Cory, Daniel and Sara (Jessie) Andreas, Samantha Scott, Thomas and Aidan Seitz, Dylan (Erica Neigum), Madison and Mackenzie; three great-grandchildren, Jordan Vander Heiden, Cole and Carter Andreas; two sisters, Tine (John) De Groot and Eveleen van der Heiden as well as two sisters-in-law, Mary Hendriks and Miep van der Heiden-Terhorst. Everett was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Pieter and Gerard and two grandchildren, Mitchell Scott and Cole Vander Heiden. Together with three friends, Everett immigrated to Canada in 1954 with the hopes of pursuing a life of agriculture. Life had its own path and in 1956, he landed a job with a drywall company. He travelled extensively through BC, AB and SK driving every back road, working in many small towns and meeting many people along the way. In 1960, he met and married the love of his life Cathy. Together they settled in Medicine Hat where they raised their family. He had an extensive career in the construction industry including his own company Everett’s Drywall, started in 1968 then moving to the construction supply industry with Medicine Hat Drywall Supply in 1986, until his retirement in 1995. Everett actively volunteered throughout his life. While family was important, he believed in supporting the community he lived in, not for recognition, but for the greater good. As a member of St. Patrick’s church council he was instrumental in the restoration of the church. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 50 years, serving as Grand Knight in 1978 and again 2002-04. As a member of the Medicine Hat Construction Association for over 25 years, he served as president in 1987. Everett enjoyed volunteering with the Medicine Hat Bingo Association, the Knights of Columbus, Camp McCoy, and delivering Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed many hobbies including tending to yard and garden, featured several times on the Garden Tour of the Medicine Hat & District Horticultural Society, curling and travelling. Everett and Cathy traveled with their fifth wheel, wherever possible. They journeyed through Canada, the US, including Alaska, Mexico, Panama and all seven Central American countries. They also travelled to Europe, the UK, Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile. He also enjoyed fishing with his children and friends. A highlight was a trip to the Queen Charlotte Islands with his son Everett. Family are thankful to relatives and friends who have always been close by and supported them through this difficult time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting the Funeral Home’s website at www.cooksouthland.com) Vigil Prayers will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Sunday, April 1, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 238 - 2 Avenue N.E., Medicine Hat on Monday, April 2, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Father John Maes celebrant. Interment will follow at a later date. Those wishing to remember Everett may do so through a donation to Camp McCoy, Box 40028, 355 Southridge Drive S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4S6. Honoured to serve the family is
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Lionel & Jan Provost:
Mar 26, 2018 at 03:03 PM
Cathy and family - our most sincere condolences for your loss. Sorry to hear about the passing of Everett. Regretfully we are away at this time and will not be able to attend the celebration of his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Thinking of you ............ Lionel & Jan provost
Barb Stewart:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:45 PM
I was so sad to hear of Everett Sr's passing. My heart goes out to you all. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
John and Tina:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:46 PM
Dear Cathy and family.
This is another opportunity to let you know we are thinking of you. It is hard to be so far away from you but in spirit we are with you. The WhatsApp group "Evert" was wonderful to keep in contact with family members from Holland, New Zealand and off course Canada. That made us and everyone else I think feel together and caring. The passing of Evert has touched us all. He leaves an empty space in my family with three of the 5 siblings gone. Just Evelyn and myself left. The last few days have taken my thoughts back to the time we were children. Looked after by parents, feeling so safe and without problems. Cathy and family, John and I wish you strength for the coming weeks and months. Luckily you are part of a large family and that will see you through.
Love, John and Tina
Ria Welbourne:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:46 PM
To Cathy and family
Our sincere condolence at the passing of Everett! May God grant him rest and may he comfort you all in this difficult time! God bless you! Love & prayers.
Ria & Eric Welbourne
Linda Langille:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:47 PM
Vander Heiden Family: We are sending our thoughts to all of your families. He will be missed by everyone. Our prayers go out to all of the sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Willie & Linda
Elaine Wiedemann:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:47 PM
Dear Cathy & family,
I am sorry to hear of Everett's passing...my sincere condolences and sympathy. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you celebrate Everett's life on Monday.
Love and blessings at this Eastertide.
Elaine Wiedemann
Rick and Jane Cameron:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:47 PM
Dear Cathy, So sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort in the sure knowledge of Everett now being in his true home. Take comfort from family and friends at this time of change. With heartfelt sympathy, your old neighbours, Rick and Jane
Michael Anctil:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:48 PM
It is never easy to hear of the passing of an extraordinary person such as Everett. Everett always lead by example and was ready to help whenever needed. Along with many of Everett's volunteer pursuits was Camp McCoy. I'm not exactly sure how many years Everett has been involved at Camp McCoy but I'm sure it's over fifty years. A huge part of what Camp McCoy is today is because of Everett's dedication to getting things done and done properly. Most recently Everett took it upon himself to drywall, tape and stipple the upstairs craft room of the new Lodge. Everett had friends and his son volunteer their time to complete the project in 2009. No one asked for anything in return. This was just one of numerous projects that Everett took on over the many years he and his family donated to improve Camp McCoy. Everett was a valved member of our board for many years. Everett continued to work Bingo's for Camp McCoy throughout all the years Camp has been involved in Bingo's. Everett truly was one of the great ones. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. On behalf of the entire Camp McCoy Board of Directors our most sincere Thank You to Everett for his dedication to Camp McCoy. We'll keep Everett and his family in our prayers.
Michael Anctil President Camp McCoy Association
Jennifer Pinnell:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:48 PM
Our deepest sympathies to your family during this time.
Thinking of you always;
Jay, Jennifer, Emma and Brooklyn Pinnell
Art Vandeln Berg:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:48 PM
Dear Cathy and family.
My deepest condolences on Everettt’s passing. Unfortunately I’m out of town for the funeral, but my thoughts and prayers will be with you always.
Art Vanden Berg
Barry Gregory:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:49 PM
I am very sorry to hear about Everett's passing. We did a lot of business together over the years when he owned Medicine Hat Drywall. He was a very fair and honest man and will be missed.
Thinking of You:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:49 PM
Heartfelt condolences going out to you, Cathy, and the family. I was so sad to hear this news. Everett was a very close friend to my parents and myself many years ago in Regina and even though we did not see each other often you and Everett were always in my heart. He will be missed!!!
Paul van der Sloot:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:49 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with the Vander Heiden family at this time. His was a life well lived. I will remember him for all the enjoyable visits to our house. There was always laughter when Mr. Vander Heiden and my dad would get together. Beyond that, Mr. Vander Heiden will always hold a special place for me as my godfather. He and Mrs. Vander Heiden were always present for me at the important moments.
Rest In Peace.
Thinking of You:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:50 PM
To Joe, Evelyn and family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this difficult time. From Uncle John, Auntie Mabel and Family
Ken Volk:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:50 PM
My deeply condolence to you Rita and your family. Kenny Vol
Ruby Flamand-Mailander:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:50 PM
My deepest sympathy going out to you Cathy and all the family. He worked with our Dad in Regina when he first came with the Blom boys and he spent a lot of time at our house. Those three Dutch boys became one of our family, although I didn't see Everett for a long time, Elsie and sometimes John would tell me how he was doing, so sorry for your loss.
Jim van der Sloot:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:51 PM
Dear Cathy and Family, My deepest condolences on the passing of Everett. Our families grew up side by side and we will miss Everett. My father (Bert) and I worked with Everett for many years as he, together with his family, grew successful businesses. I rarely saw him without a smile on his face, and I can honestly say that I always looked forward to his office visits. He contributed much to the community especially to Camp McCoy and St. Patrick's Parish. All the Vander Heiden children exemplify Everett and Cathy's honesty, integrity and giving spirit. Not sure that there can be any greater tribute or legacy than that. Jim
Bill & Jeanette Martin:
Apr 06, 2018 at 02:51 PM
Cathy, John & Carmen: Bill and I wish to extend our sympathy at the loss of your husband and father. You are in our prayers. Bill & Jeanette
merle derzaph:
Apr 09, 2018 at 11:28 PM
Rita and Doug, Michael and Nancy, I wish to extend my condolences to all of you for the loss of your father. He was a very successful business man and well respected individual in the community who was not afraid to help anybody. May his memories live in your hearts forever and let God grant you peace and strength to carry on. Thinking of you, Merle Derzaph as I used to work for Bank of Montreal 7th street