Kees van Schagen of Victoria, BC, formerly of 100 Mile House, BC passed away on Monday, June 22, 2020, at the age of 71. After several months of declining health fighting cancer, Kees died peacefully with his wife Sue and his loving family by his side. Kees was born in de Hague Netherlands on September 18, 1948, to father Albertus van Schagen and mother Petronella van Schagen (nee Hoeben). The second youngest of five children, they immigrated to Canada in 1957. Kees obtained his journeymen butcher certification, starting at an early age cutting meat in Sidney, BC.
He would move on to have a long career with Canada Safeway, moving to Port Alberni, North Vancouver, and 100 Mile house. Raising his family in 100 Mile, his Daughter, Tammy Fraser (Doug) was born in Sidney and his Son Rick (Allison) was born in Port Alberni, both were his pride and joy, and he was the definition of family first and always. Kees relocated to Victoria after leaving 100 Mile House, and met his beloved Sue in 2001, marrying in 2016. Along with Sue, he cherished his sons David Strobbe (David) and Geoff Strobbe (Angel), and all the extended Hutchins family who embraced him immediately.
Kees was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Sue, his four children, grandchildren Jessa Coukell, Will, Jaime, Skye Royer (Troy), Taylor Fraser (Kim), great grandchild Tyson Royer, siblings Bill (Irene), Albert (Sharon), Hester Yaworski (predeceased Paul), Nelly and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. He had a unique and special relationship with all his family and friends, and he will be remembered fondly. The family would like to thank everyone for all the kind words and well wishes.
Dad, Opa, Kees, Dutchy, keeser, Uncle Kees – thanks for touching our lives – we will be forever grateful. Rest in Peace People wishing to honor Kees can make donations to the BC Cancer Foundation http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/donate on his behalf. At his request, there will not be a service.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
27 Responses
Kees was always kind to me and had a great sense of humour! Rest in Peace.
I volunteered, for the first time with Destination Greater Victoria last year, and worked alongside Kees meeting and greeting cruise ships. I enjoyed his company during my shifts and he was definitely one of the fellow volunteers I was looking forward to seeing again this season. He will be missed. Please accept my deepest and sincere condolences for your loss.
My condolences to all this great family that Kees was so happy and proud of! For the Season volunteering greeting the cruise ships, it was a pleasure to work, laugh and listen to this kind, funny and helpful fellow. He really enjoyed sharing his love and pride for his family and always respected their hard work and joyful social times together.
You will be greatly miss Kees!
Shelley Stott
Sue, fond memories of you both, very helpful man to me, he will be missed. All the best to you. Take care!
Tammy and Rick. I was so sad to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was such a neat guy and you will remember him with lots of smiles instead of tears, in time.
We are so saddened to hear of Kee’s passing. He was a great guy & always with a smile! Sincere condolences to the entire family.
Sue and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear of Kees passing. Ill remember the good times, fun and laughter in the meat dept. and his smile and sense of humour… Our sincere and deepest condolences to all of his family.
Steve and Lee Walker