It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Van De Goey on February 22, 2023 in Victoria, British Columbia. Van passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honour his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
Van started his career as an electrician at a young age and later became a partner at Belltech Electric with his long-time friend, Dean Bellagente. They worked alongside one another up until his passing.
Van impacted the lives of many whether through work, volunteering, hobbies, or everyday connections. His positive personality was contagious to everyone he met. Described by many who knew him as a man of integrity, he was kind, funny, quick to offer a helping hand and always recognized the importance of paying it forward. He was a devoted husband, father and uncle who put family first, always.
Van is survived by his wife, Loretta; his daughter, Lauren; his brothers, Bob, John and Marc; along with his nieces and nephews.
Van’s family would like to give a special thanks to the caring staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital 5th Floor ICU and all other health care professionals that Van encountered during this time.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Inn at Laurel Point on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Royal Jubilee Hospital ICU via the Victoria Hospitals Foundation at https://www.victoriahf.ca/critical-donation/. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
17 Responses
Dear Loretta, Lauren, Bob, John, Marc and Family
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Van. He was a part of my life since Jr. High. Van and I listened to music together and he introduced me to Cat Stevens. I spent many hours at his home in Cadbury Bay when we were young. His Father Bert worked with my Father John at the University of Victoria. Later in life we met and his company handled all of our electrical service and installation for the last 24 years. We would meet from time to time and catch up with each others lives. He loved his family and was always there to extend care to us. He was filled with integrity and practiced this in his life. I remember his easy going attitude to life and care he showed his friends. A man with a real heart!
Love Anthony, Rita and Family
To All The DeGoey Family
We were very saddened when we heard the news of Van’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with him when he would come for apples at our orchard on Wilkinson Rd. Although we moved to Cobble Hill he was one of those people who leaves a lasting impression; someone who has high integrity and is kind and thoughtful. We can only imagine the huge loss this is for you all.
We send you our heartfelt condolences.
Dear Loretta and Lauren,
So sorry to hear of Van’s passing. We remember you all as neighbours on Oakdowne Road and have fond memories of Van’s carefully spaced red and green Christmas lights each year. Our thoughts are with you.
Anne and Nick Marshall
Loretta and Lauren,
I was so very sorry and sad to hear this news. My conversations and meetings with Van over the years were always a pleasure I will miss.
Thinking of you both and sending you big hugs.
To the De Goey family, We are so very saddened to hear about your recent loss. We always very much enjoyed working with Van (and Loretta) on their beautiful renovation projects. I recognized early on that Van was kind, honest, mild mannered, a good listener, and very proud of his family. He loved “things” done well and showed a lot of appreciation for our work together. Our thoughts are with Loretta and Lauren and the rest of the Degoey family during this very difficult time.
Sending our support, Tracey Lamoureux and Stephen Pal
Loretta and Lauren. I was so shocked to hear on the passing of Van. For the few years that I had worked with Van..I always enjoyed that time and still to this day have fond memories. He was an honest good person.
Van’s greatest loves were Loretta and Lauren. He was a loyal, devoted and caring husband and father. His life reflected how much they mattered to him. Van had tremendous inner strength and determination. I always greatly admired this about him. I remember when Van became a part of Loretta’s life and am so thankful for the journey they shared together and later with Lauren. I can still hear his voice saying “Hi S.H.” I will forever remember him and all his goodness.