Johan (Joe) van Ardenne late of the Abbotsford, BC passed away peacefully on March 9, 2013 at the age of 97 years.
He is survived by his sons, Joe (Sheryl) and John. Grandsons Shaun (Linda) and Lee. Also surviving him
are his two brothers in the
Netherlands, Nico (Bab) and Arie (Huip).
Joe was born in 1916 in the village of Hilligersberg in the Netherlands. He grew up with 8 brothers and 4 sisters.
As he grew up he developed a love of nature and wildlife, especially birds. As a young man he was engaged as a
bell ringer in a 14th century church. Joe served his apprenticeship in plumbing and became a journeyman
plumber. In May 1940 war broke out in Holland, and the freedom he once enjoyed
was changed to a life of restrictions, curfews, registration papers and a constant threat of concentration
confinement. In 1941 he was made to work in a plant that manufactured war equipment for the German forces in Munich. Along with others, they did whatever they could to hamper and slow
down the manufacturing of the war planes. From this experience, he did however learn the welding trade in
steel and aluminium. As a trustee in early 1944 he was allowed a 1 week release. Under the promise of his return
he was allowed papers to go home to Holland. Instead of returning to Germany
he joined the underground army of Holland and served in whatever way he was told. In November 1946 he married
Peggy den Boer. Together with their two young sons (Joe and John) they immigrated to Canada in 1954 settling in Haney. Joe worked in the construction trade for a few years and then landed a job at BC Hydro as a Gas
Regulator Mechanic. He worked there until he retired in 1982. At this time they had moved to Abbotsford. Joe took great pleasure in his later years teaching himself Paper Tole and produced
many beautiful pictures that he sold all over town. He did this until he was 94. Joe had a great sense of humour and
was well liked by all those he
came across. A Memorial Service will be
held on Friday, March 15, 2013 at 11:30 am at the Bethel Reformed Church at 3260
Gladwin Road, Abbotsford, BC with Pastor Rom Opmeer officiating. Interment
took place at Musselwhite Cemetery.
Tributes and condolences
may be left at www.hendersonsabbotsfordfunerals.com
Henderson’s Funeral Home 604-854-5534