January 10, 1932 – August 6, 2012
It is with the greatest sadness we say goodbye to Willem Vandermale. Born January 10, 1932 in Rotterdam, Holland. Bill immigrated to Canada in 1953 with his beloved wife, Christina Wielhouwer. Dad is lovingly remembered by his children, Ganice (Kevin), Karen (Malcolm), Brian (Sara), Christina (Brian); Grandfather or Opa to Benjamin and Katherine, Andrea and Marcus, Olea, Anneliese, Emalee and Sydney, Kelly and Kirsten and Great-granddaughter, LilyMarie. Bill was a happy, kind, hardworking man who enjoyed singing in the Choral Society and church choir. He also enjoyed painting, woodworking and had many good times golfing at Uplands Golf Course. He was a long time volunteer for Oak Bay and his church. A special thanks to Dr. Ganz and all the staff in the Jubilee Renal Unit.
A Memorial service will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 11, at 12:00 Noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation.
The angels have taken you and you will be forever missed. May you rest in peace
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Margaret and Bob Hosie
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Heather van Vugt Razzo To Tante Ina, Christina, Brian, Karen and Ganice and your extended families,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss and our hearts and thoughts are with you so much. Uncle Bill was always so kind and sincere and funny and we will always remember him that way. One memory I have is when my Opa passed away when I was 12 years old. Uncle Bill drove our family to the gravesite after the service in our old station wagon and started talking about how Opa would light up one of his big fat smelly cigars with all 7 of us (and the dog) in the car with the windows all rolled up because it was 30 below zero. He went on to tell a few more very funny stories about our Opa and by the time we got to the graveyard we were all in hysterics! It was relief, a moment remembered with a smile instead of just sorrow. That was Uncle Bill.
My dad, much as he wants, can’t be with you at this time, too much for him right now with a few heath problems. I sat with him, and he talked of his sadness, but also of his good memories and then he read me a letter he had written to you in his indecipherable handwriting…….so I wrote it down as he read to me.! He asked that I forward his thoughts to you….
He writes:
“It was with great sadness that I received the news of Bill’s passing.
I met Bill 60 years ago in 1952 at the Canadian Embassy in Holland. That chance meeting was the beginning of a lifelong friendship enjoyed with much joy and good times. Together we formed a partnership and shared many adventures and successes in the Yukon. At the time of it, you live it in the moment, in the end it is but lifelong memories.
I last saw Bill 2 years ago at a birthday celebration. We laughed and reminisced, 2 old guys, 2 best friends.
We know that Bill, in his last few years, had a lot to deal with. His life was not easy but we also know he carried himself with great spirit and great courage.
He will be missed but he will always be remembered with fondness and love.
I, along with Bev, Les, Bonnie, Heather, Andrea and Mark send our sincerest condolences to all of you.
With much love,
Leo”
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Doug and Jo-Ann Saville You are in our thoughts. Time will turn your sorrow to happy memories. Your father will live on in those memories.
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Neil Drewry My regards to all the family. Our Wednesday group at Uplands have missed Bill for the past several months. His absence has often been mentioned. He was a most congenial fellow and was a friend to all of us.
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Marjorie Lester I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful human being and one of the kindest persons I ever knew. He will be missed by all who knew him.
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Jim Cross My deepest sympathy to Ina and herr family on theirr loss My friendship with Bill for more than 30 years will always be precious to me as well as the many rounds of golf we have enjoyed together. God Bless all of you, Jim
Our condolence to Ina and the family. Although we had not known Bill for a long time, we knew him as a gentleman in all ways.
May the family find comfort in many good memories.
Sincerely, Margaret and Bob Hosie