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Rudolphus (Rudy) Johannes Franciscus Van Der Maeden
December 5, 1948 - February 17, 2021
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Rudulfous Johannes Franciscus was born December the 5th, 1948 in the town of Westzaan, The Netherlands and passed away Febuary the 17th 2021 in Powell River.
At the age of three he came to Canada on the immigrant ship The Waterman, along with his Mom, Femina, his Dad, Jan, and his two younger sisters that were 18 months and 6 weeks old. The family crossed Canada via train from Halifax to the Fraser Valley. Once they arrived at the Fraser Valley, Rudy’s father worked on a dairy farm to pay for the families passage. In the early 50’s, the family moved to Powell River, where his father worked in the mill.
Rudy lead a life full of adventure, spending a lot of time on the ocean that was his favorite place. He commercial fished, beach combed, worked at Teakern Arm, ran a freight service, and dabbled in many other professions despite losing his eye sight at a early age. He was truly a free spirit who thrived staying busy. He greatly enjoyed traveling. In most recent years, he spent the winters in Mexico which he really enjoyed.
Rudy was predeceased my his parents Jan and Fem, his brother in-law Deane DeWynter and his partners Ann Nightinggale and Debbie Vander Maeden. He leaves behind his sisters Dymph Vander Maeden and Margaret (Larry) Graves, many neices and nephews, great neices and nephews as well as great great neices and nephews. He also leaves behind many friends. Rudy wasd always generous and charming, and he will be dearly missed.
Condolences
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From: Stubberfield Funeral Home
Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: John Caldicott
Relation: We grew up together
So sorry to hear this . He was a life long friend. Considering he was blind , he managed to stay very independent of the need for assistance. He had many friends .
From: Stewart Alsgard
Relation: Friend and retired naval person
Chief Petty Officer First Class Rudy Van Der Maeden was an outstanding member of RCSCC Malaspina as a young man who went on to contribute generously to his community and be in touch with his shipmates.A notable helmsman and seaman. Bravo Zulu.
From: Huguette Deom
Relation: Close friend
I felt the warmth of your hug the last time on March 13, 2020, before returning home from Melaque (Mexico). Then we spoke over phone, every day, for 13 months, in the hope of finding each other one day because we had made plans. But life has decided otherwise, leaving me alone with immense sorrow.
I want to offer my most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones. Like me, you must grieve by this great loss. Rudy was an exceptional being, endowed with great sensitivity, a being of heart and generosity and despite his visual handicap, always ready to help. He will stay in my heart forever.
Huguette (Montreal, Quebec)
From: Jessica Josefina Larios Arquieta
Relation: Close friend
I want to give my deepest condolences to Rudy’s family, a great man, friend and a great human being to me and my family. We want them to know that we accompany them in their pain that is also ours. He will always be in our heartsnext to the image of his big smile that he had.
Jessica Josefina Larios Arquieta
Alondra Irene Guadalupe Marquez
Ulises Caldera Zarate
Yelena Naomy Marques Larios
from Melaque, Mexico
From: James Lee
Relation: Friend
So sorry for your loss. I had so much fun with Rudy in sea cadets. RIP
From: Jaye MacGregor Roter
Relation: Family Friend
My sympathy to the family. Rudy and his family were our neighbours when I was growing up on Southview Beach. Rudy even babysat me! He was a great person and will be missed.
From: David Ranger
Relation: Close friend
Rudy was an amazing person who inspired me in countless ways. I could say that Rudy was one in a million! You don’t come across people like Rudy very often. I will miss him very much, but always remember him. My deepest sympathy to all Rudy’s family and friends.
From: Lyn Stoffels
Relation: Friend
You will be missed my friend.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
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Bloom Wildly
4712 Marine Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 3B7
604-489-3384
Nicole Quigley
5300 Yukon Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 4H4
www.bloom-therapy.ca
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