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
Wally and Rita Kolbeis
We were so shocked and sorry to hear of Kees’ passing. We have fond memories of our friendship with all his family, and he will be greatly missed. He was such a Great Guy.
Our condolences go out to Sue and all his family at this very sad time. Please know our thoughts are with you all.
Fondly, Wally and Rita
Ken and Nancy Meville
So sad to hear of your dad’s passing, Tammy and Rick. Kees was one of a kind, always a warm smile. Our thoughts are with you.
Uncle Kees’ kindness was as infectious as his warm smile. It always felt as if no time had passed between visits once his arms were squeezed tightly around you, and he gave you an incredible hug!
He always made me(Janine) feel like a part of the family, I enjoyed his conversation, how genuine he was, how his laugh was so contagious ( it must be a family trait) and what an all around great man Uncle Kees was.
I (Tony) don’t think words can express how deeply I will miss Uncle Kees, and I wish to send my deepest condolences to my entire Family. He will be missed. He is loved.
I’m so very sorry for your loss Sue, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time…sending you hugs❤️
Sue,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Know I am thinking of you and your family at this time.
Hugs to Sue and all of Kees family and extended. Always enjoyed working with him, his smiles and special hugs. We will miss you my friend until we meet again.
Kees was a good guy. Always friendly and had a smile and the time of day for you. Saw him a few times when he worked at Country Grocer in Esquimalt. He will be missed by many. Thoughts go to his family at this sad time. Rest in Peace Kees.
Sue and all the family
We were truly shocked and saddened to hear of Kees passing. He was such a good friend and a caring and thoughtful person. I will always remember and cherish the fun times we had at work together. Rest In Peace my friend.
Dear Sue Thinking of you at this time.
I’m sure I went to school with Kees or some of his brothers and sisters in Sidney. I went to McTavish elementary and North Saanich High . I remember the last name very well but can’t remember the first names.
Kees sounded like a wonderful person and so glad you had such happiness in your married life.
Think about you often….
Love John & Bonnie
So sorry about your loss.He was an incredible man..He will be missed..