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(Dirk) Vanderlee Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for (Dirk) Vanderlee
J. Felipe Garcia
March 14, 2011
I met Pete here in Tucson several years ago. He was a true ambassador to Canada. Every time we met, he had nothing but encouraging things to say about the future, and his vision of expanding business and personal relationships between Arizona and Canada.
My thoughts and prayers for him and all his family.
Terry Moore
March 9, 2011
I met Peter in the early 90's. Developed a strong bond through our mutual interest in Information Technology as well as our love for a pint (or 3) and enjoyable (amusing)outings on the golf course.
Peter never hestitated to help others in their quest to achieve with a new idea or just finding a job.
One of the most original thinkers I have ever met. There was never a get together that did not include noddling through a new idea or venture.
Pete will be remembered by many and forgotten by none.
His life will be celebrated, but way too soon.
Skip Spackeen
March 4, 2011
Peter was a friend, colleague, and mentor. I learned alot from him, and for that I will forever feel indebted.
Pete officed with us at AV Innovations, but now that his cubicle is empty and his voice has been silenced, the resulting vacancy can never be refilled.
In the future, whenever I think about the possibilities and the opportunities, I'll think of you, and remember your ideas and suggestions, and try to best use those tools.
Rest well, my friend, and keep on rooting for the best winning strategy.
Larry Novak
February 27, 2011
Peter was my close friend, business associate and trusted confidant...It's difficult to accept that I can't just pick up the phone and wax poetic about matters of life, love and the ways of the world with him...The collective quality of my world is diminished by his passing...he will be greatly missed. Rest well amigo...
Larry Beard
February 24, 2011
Peter was my friend. I met him in the mid 80's. I traveled with him, drank with him, played hockey and golf with him. worked with him, confided in him, made plans and schemes with him, witnessed how he cared for others and I missed him when he moved to Arizona. I wish I could just have one more moment with Pete to hear his laughter and hear just one more of his great ideas. Pete was my friend.
Robert Gonzales
February 23, 2011
Rest in Peace, Peter. You were a good friend and a good man.
Sandy Forsyth
February 22, 2011
I worked with Peter for about five years. I will always remember his wit and laughter. He will be missed.
Richard Bazinet
February 22, 2011
I met Peter several years ago in Arizona, and we rapidly became friends and partner along with Glenn Williamson in co-founding the CABC. Peter was a real dynamo, full of energy and an incessant idea marketing machine. But he was an even better person.
Always eager and willing to help regardless of the situation, he always made his mark.
We'll miss him. Farewell to a great friend.
Matt Anderson
February 22, 2011
May God bless you with eternal peace Peter.
Juri Varangu
February 22, 2011
I met Peter during a Phoenix CABC meeting in 2009 and we continued discussions over the following months. In the short time I knew him, immensely enjoyed his candor and wit. Our sincere condolences.
Sheila Gressner
February 17, 2011
It was a pleasure meeting and knowing Mr. Vanderlee for the short time that I did. Always full of smiles and just a truly nice person who lit up everyone around him. My thoughts are with his family.
Chris Lynde
February 16, 2011
I am profoundly saddened by the loss of my great friend Peter. I will deeply miss the countless hours we spent laughing, planning and strategizing together. He blessed me with his wit, his intelligence and his business acumen. Above all, he blessed me with his friendship and his loyalty. For that, I am honored to have known him.
Norm & Jan Brunet
February 16, 2011
Our sincere sympathies to his entire family.
Jim Collins
February 15, 2011
Peter will be greatly missed! We went back a long ways, right too the BCB Holding days in Markham, Ontario. He was always there for me and anybody else that needed his guidance or advice. When you had Peter as your friend, he was a friend for life. I just did not know it was going to be this short!
Jim Collins
February 15, 2011
Peter will be greatly missed! We went back a long ways, right to the BCB Holding days in Markham, Ontario. He was always available when needed and stood by you a 100%. When you had Peter as your friend, he was your friend for life. At the time I did not know it was going to be this short!
Glenn williamson
February 15, 2011
This is a loss of a great friend and wonderfull man ,I miss him very much on many levels...
Lyn Decker
February 15, 2011
Peter was a good friend I could always talk to and laugh with. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
David Loynd
February 14, 2011
Peter, we'll miss you.
Lowell
February 14, 2011
We are shocked and saddened. Shocked because we watched Peter on so many occasions gather up his strength and run right through the unmovable obstacle. Saddened because as we reflect on the balance sheet of friendship, we are all indebted to Peter. We don’t get to return those favours now.
Peter was a friend, family man, coach and dealmaker. He was a proponent of the win-win philosophy. His entrepreneurial ideas were about building a better community for his family, his friends, his business associates, his neighbours – all of us – and he selflessly dedicated his enthusiasm and passion to that vision.
He loved a good idea and the creation of a solid, positive deal. His objective was not to better himself financially, it was simply to make the lives of others better.
Peter was always excited about business opportunities and the fruit they would bear. He was also a straight-shooter who had no problem at expressing his opinion, contrary or otherwise. He was blunt in his appraisals, and generous of his time and energy.
A sports fan, Peter cheered for the beleaguered Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League. They let him down continually, but Peter stood behind his team. That characteristic was a constant in his life. If a friend was suffering a personal tragedy or just down on his luck, Peter was at his door step with a pizza and a cold beer. “You will get through this,” he would say.
When I met Peter, I made a friend for life. I expected, however, that the “life” timeframe would be a lot longer than this.
We who knew and loved Peter have suffered a deep loss. And so have the Tucson community and the state of Arizona.
Michelle Senner
February 14, 2011
Peter's laugh filled every room and his hugs were always genuine.
Conrad Plimpton
February 14, 2011
A good friend and counselor, you will be greatly missed
Stuart
February 14, 2011
Although we have never met him, we just wished to express our sympathy for the loss of a fellow Kingstonian. We are snowbirds in Tucson.
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