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
Our deepest sympathies to you all for your great loss – Kees was such a wonderful person to know. We had the pleasure of meeting him (and later working at Kees’ Meats) when we lived in 100 Mile House. He was so well liked by everyone there – such a happy and outgoing personality that made you feel good to be around him. We know this is a difficult time for you all and we hope the sorrow you have in your hearts today will change in time to very fond memories. He will be greatly missed.
Sincere Condolences
Dianne & Steve Underwood
Parksville, BC
Barb & I were saddened with the news of Kees passing. We will always treasure the friendship we shared with him during our time living in 100 Mile.His easy warm presence & kind heart was a gift shared with many.
Our deepest sympathy to his loving family.
Rest in Peace Kees
Peter & Barb Bono
Sad to hear of Kees passing. I worked with Kees and he always had a joke. The one thing I will carry with me forever, is his laugh. Rest in Peace buddy, have a couple cool ones for me.
Sorry for your loss Kees was my first friend l had when l moved to Sidney in 1959. I saw him for the last time at Costco about two months ago. He was a great friend.
No words can take away the sorrow and hugs cannot take away the pain for you and your family but I hope it helps to know that others care and are thinking of you
Kees was such a cool guy…..so happy we got to spend time with him in Victoria and meet Sue. We will miss him.
My uncle Kees was an incredible man. He touched my heart and made such an incredible impression on me growing up. I will always remember the good times, his smile, his laugh, his beautiful blue eyes and the way he wore his heart on his sleeve just like my Opa, I feel I have a lot of the same genes. Rest easy Uncle Kees you will be fondly remembered and never forgotten.
He was one of the people I truly enjoyed seeing when shopping at Safeway in 100 Mile House. Always smiling, he stopped what he was doing to chat for a minute, and see how I was doing. He will be remembered by the Hyland family. Rest in Peace, Kees.
Aaaawww, Kees. We never did have those lamb shanks. Enjoy your new adventure, wherever you are. Jane
So sorry to hear about Kees, so very hard to loose a Dad. He was a great guy, such a great sense of humour. We do have such fond 100 Mile Memories. May all your memories sustain you and comfort you as you walk this road ahead.