Arend ‘Art’ van Staalduinen, 91, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, in Victoria, British Columbia.
Born on November 7, 1933, on the island of Rozenburg, Holland, Art was the third of eight children—Nellie, Ina, Emmie, Casey, Marian, Bart Jr., and Gerrit—and the first son of Bart Sr. and Helena. In 1951, the family immigrated to Canada, initially settling in Tabor, Alberta. Together, they worked hard, even picking rocks from farmers’ fields to earn money. The family later moved to Red Deer, Alberta, where Art worked as a painter at the Air Force base. It was there that Art met the love of his life, Marion (née Fairhurst).
In 1962, Art married Marion, and the couple settled in Victoria, BC. Together, they raised three children: Frank (Lisa), parents of Melissa, Elizabeth, Cayleigh, and Annika; Kris (Lisa); and Annaliese (Ivan), parents of Adrian and Isabella.In 1968, Art founded Spartan Coatings in Victoria. He devoted himself to building the company and establishing it as a respected leader in the construction industry, specializing in epoxy flooring. He deeply valued the community that grew around his company and treasured the many lasting relationships he built through his work.
Outside of work, Art found great joy in downhill skiing and windsurfing. He spent many winters skiing in Whistler and summers windsurfing at Nitinat Lake with his close friends Ron and Dick. Among their many shared adventures, a standout memory was the month-long camper van trip that Art and Dick took from Victoria all the way to the southern tip of Baja, Mexico, in search of great windsurfing.
Art also found great joy in the simple rhythms of life. He especially loved his daily walks along Cadboro Bay Beach, where he could take in the fresh air and the beauty of the ocean.
Art is survived by his beloved wife, Marion; his children Frank, Kris, and Annaliese; and six cherished grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and four of his siblings—Nellie, Emmie, Casey, and Marian.
Art will be remembered as a kind and gentle man with a true zest for life. He made the most of his time with family and friends, always brought a warm sense of humour, and was known to say with a laugh, “If you ain’t Dutch, you ain’t much!”
He leaves behind lasting memories and will be deeply missed by family and friends.
A Celebration of Art’s Life will be held at a later date. An announcement with details will follow.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Eric Van Buiten
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John C van den Hengel A life well lived RIP Art –
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Dick Meeres My dear Marion, Frank, Kris, Annaliese and families,
Condolences on the loss of your husband and father, Art.I first met Art through my girls’ figure skating with Frank in the early 1980’s.
Through his friendships with the Forths, I was invited to go skiing at Whistler where I got brainwashed into taking up windsurfing.
For the next 20+ years Ron, June, Art and I skied every winter and windsurfed every summer – the most delightful years of my life.
Art was very knowledgeable in fibreglass technology and we each made high quality windsurfing boards that proved very practical.
In 1990 Art and I drove all the way to the tip of Baja Peninsula for a month of windsurfing in warm water. What an adventure!I never knew anyone with a greater zest for life. Art will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
Lots of love, Dick Meeres
My Parents were friends with Art and Marion and I was friends with the daughter Anneliese