Johan de Vaal Obituary
de Vaal - (Hubertus) Johan October 14, 1946 - October 30, 2008 It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Johan on October 30, 2008, at age 62, following a cardiac arrest. Predeceased by parents Hubertus and Mary, Johan was loved and will be dearly missed by his wife of almost 40 years Lyn, son Malcolm and his wife Shawneen, daughter Theresa Adams and her husband Tim, Lyn's mother Joyce Pienaar, his brother Louie (Tertia), sister Helene, and many nieces and nephews. Johan's greatest joy in life was spending time with his four grandchildren Marlo, Greg, Aidan, and Dylan. Whether it was biking, swimming, playing at the park or camping, they all cherished him and will miss his involvement in their lives. Johan was born in South Africa and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1979 making the Tri-City area his home. He worked as a Mechanical Engineer (P.Eng), most recently at Sandwell Engineering, and dedicated much of his time to volunteering in the community. Johan enjoyed a full, active life which will be celebrated on Sunday, November 16 at 3 p.m. at Burnett Fellowship Church, 20639 123 Ave., Maple Ridge. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
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30 Entries
Helene Hewson
October 30, 2009
Dear Lyn, Malcolm, Theresa and all your precious family,
You are very much in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Johan's passing is still so unreal to me after the wonderful visit I had with you all last September...leaving you all so fit and well, and Johan as energetic and enthusiastic as ever.
Life is such a fragile thread, and such a Mystery.
I especially treasure the lovely memories of the Alaskan cruise I did with him - the opportinity to just be, to laugh and feel sad, to reminisce about our childhood, family and friends...also to share the delight of the unforgettable beauty which left us awed.. and to share early morning coffee and very good cookies(which Johan would search high and low to ensure!)
His thoughtfulness in suggesting we do the cruise, and in convincing me to try an i Pod, on which he loaded his and Lyn's favourite music for me...
It was a joy to see again his zest for life, his absolute delight in his grandchildren, the way he gave himself unstintingly to you his beloved family, his friends - and to others who needed his support, which I remember him doing as a youngster too.
May your wonderful memories of him be a comfort and strength to you.
Much love and blessings,
Helene(sister)
audrey stern
December 14, 2008
I was very shocked to hear about the very unexpected death of Johan. Johan and his family lived across from my family in Colbyn, South Africa. We grew up together-went to the same schools.Helene rode with me on my first day of high school... I left S.A. in 1964 and lost contact until a few years ago when I heard that Johan had moved to Vancouver.I was in Vancouver, but just missed seeing him.I am very sorry about that because I heard from friends in common what a wonderful person and host he had been. I did not meet or know his family, but I am sure this is a tremendous loss for them.
Patrick Dillon
December 10, 2008
Johan's brother looked at me across his desk in the office we share and asked, "so Patrick, which is the next mountain that you and Yvonne are going to tackle" ? "No Louis", I replied "We want to go kayaking with whales in the Queen Charlotte Straights. Its the channel between Vancouver island and the Canadian mainland". "Yes I know", replied Louis, " my brother lives there and I will put the two of you in touch with each other".
Some months later Yvonne and I landed in Vancouver to be whipped off by Johan to the de Vaal house and made to feel as if we had been life long friends of Lyn and Johan. We were lent Lyn's car to go up to Port O'Neill and have a wonderful six days kayaking in the Broughton Archipelago. Johan had put us on to one of the best kayaking companies and facilitated the expedition. He had intended to go with us but a motor bike crash and a broken scapula had put paid to that idea.
The time spent in Vancouver has not been forgotten. It has extended our number of Canadian friends and made that country a home from home.
Lyn, it has been a pleasure and an honour to have known Johan. I too have lost my life's partner, but in the last days of her life she gave me the most important order ( not advice ) that I have ever been given, " Patrick don't mope in the back bedroom, for my sake get out there and live".
Lyn, I can only recommend it to you.
All my love and best wishes to the Canadian branch of the de Vaal family.
Pat Dillon,
Ruimsig,
South Africa.
Rob Harris
December 4, 2008
Dear Johan,
It wasn't supposed to be this way. We talked about getting together to catch up when you called last year and instead we wound up getting together to reminisce. It was so typical of you to pick up the phone and call to see if you could help me when you heard I was changing careers. That gesture meant more to me than I probably let on. I have made a note to stay in shape and bring my bike and golf clubs with me when we meet again. I know you will have organized the annual golf tournament and had all of the bike lanes established by the time the rest of us get there. Bettina and I will miss your infectious laugh and childlike sense of humour and wonderment. Our knowledge is greater, our character stronger and our hearts warmer for having known you. You set an example that continues to shape how we live our lives and for that and your friendship we are grateful. We will see you down the road, but farewell for now.
Rob, Bettina, Brendan and Ryan
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Nicole de Vaal
November 20, 2008
I was deeply shocked to hear about the loss of Johan as it was most unexpected. I was fortunate to have been able to spend a month with Johan and Lyn (my uncle and aunt) this year in June after not seeing them for 20 years. I was especially blessed to have spent a lot of quality time just with Johan and got to know him as an exceptional, kind person and my wonderful holiday with them will remain in my heart always.
My thoughts and prayers are constantly with Lyn, Malcolm, Theresa, Shawneen, Tim and the kids.
Maureen Narunsky
November 18, 2008
Hello to the family
My name is Maureen Narunsky -was Meyers -l live in Cape Town SA -l was at school with Johan in Pta -from primary till Matric -he was a great guy at school & he mustve been a wonderful husband & father & grandfather -my sincere condolences to all the family -my thoughts are with u at this sad time in your lives -Kind regards -Maureen
Carol & Rodney Bunn
November 14, 2008
Dear Lyn,Malcolm Shawneen,Theresa,Tim and families,
Our thoughts and prayers are consistantly with you.
With Love
Rodney,Carol,Greg & Gina, Steven & Kylie, Michael & Katie, Christopher & Juley
Liz and Paul Atzema
November 13, 2008
We are deeply saddened by Johan’s sudden passing. He and Lyn were our very close friends for over 20 years. Over that time we enjoyed shared hikes, milestone birthdays, weddings of our children and the births of our grandchildren.
Johan was an unforgettable man. His gentle manner and quiet sense of humor were coupled with a genuine willingness to help others. On several occasions his engineer’s mind was able to find solutions to problems we had felt were insurmountable! Johan displayed a real love of his World, his wife, his children, his grandchildren and the place where he lived. He loved to be active with the grandchildren and to be out cycling, hiking and/or canoeing. Johan was the epitome of the adage,” put life in your years rather than years in your life.” He was truly one of a kind and our lives will be emptier without him.
Kerstin Katzmann
November 13, 2008
I did not know Johan well, but while he worked with us here at Sea Breeze he was always pleasant, cheerful, and professional.
Our sincerest condolences to his family.
Kerstin
Brian Greenside
November 12, 2008
We have had the pleasure and good fortune of knowing Johan in our dinner club for the past 20 years and counted him as a good friend. He was truly a kind and caring person always willing to help others in any way he could. He was loved, and will be greatly missed by so many, and we will cherish the good memories. My thoughts and prayers to Lyn, Malcolm, Theresa and families. Sincerely Brian Greenside
November 12, 2008
November 12, 2008
To Lynn and family,
Our heartfelt sympathy with the loss of your husband, dad and granddad. Cherish the many wonderful memories you have of him. Will keep you in our prayers.
Warren & Antoinette Woodman
Coquitlam, BC
Robbie McIntosh
November 12, 2008
A good man. Known him since birth as our mother were best friend from the time they nursed together.
Hendy Moodie (nee de Vaal)
November 11, 2008
I was fortunate enough to visit the de Vaals in Vacouver in 2000. I stayed with Johan & Lyn (my uncle and aunt) and they could not have been more accommodating. Johan was a fountain of knowledge and always keen to show me something else. He will be sadly missed and my thoughts and prayers are with Lyn, Malcolm and Theresa, and their families, at this sad time.
Julie Atzema
November 11, 2008
Johan was a very caring, generous person who was always helping others. He loved his family very much!
I remember Johan last is when my parents, Lyn and Johan and Tim and Theresa and myself all did the Terry Fox run together and talking to Johan about his family and how happy he was and how happy they've made him. I do remember Johan talking about his grandkids quite a lot.
The other memory I have of Johan is seeing him at my parents dinner parties they had, he always had a smile on his face.
Stefan Atzema
November 11, 2008
Johan was a positive person with so much energy. He was a great person to be around because he was kind, caring, and genuinely interested in others. He accomplished a lot in his life and was definitely someone I looked up to.
Kiyo Breiting
November 10, 2008
Johan, You left us so sudden.
I am still in shock.
NETS would never had started without you.Must we continue?
Please watch us and continue guide us.
Don McIntosh
November 9, 2008
Charleen and I spent a very special time with the De Vaals in Canada in 2003 and as always Uncle Johan, who was 56 at the time going on 14, exhuded youthful energy, life interest and goodwill. Besides biking with Johan a great memory was Johan going downstairs after dinner, most evenings, and re-appearing with his 2 scoops of Neopolitan ice-cream to savour whilst we all chatted. Love and prayers during this difficult time. Don, Charleen and the boys
Carol Kussat
November 9, 2008
Dearest Lyn,
I am so very sorry to hear of Johan's sudden passing. I wish I could put my arms around you and give you a big hug. I'm sorry I'm so far away but I would like you to know that I'll be praying for you and your family. May God hold you close at this difficult time. Love, your friend, Carol
Lise
November 8, 2008
Lyn, I am at a loss for words. I know how much you both loved each other. Remember, we are all thinking of you and are just a call away if you need us!
John Light
November 8, 2008
With candles burning and soft music playing, Lorraine and I sat quietly, reaching back for recollections of so many wonderful moments and events with the de Vaals. Johan, that 'larger than life' gentle giant was always so even-tempered, reliable and enthusiastic, no matter the circunstances. Johan was an easy person to give control to, as he overflowed with sincere consideration for others while using his 'engineering' mind to ensure the event went according to plan.
Johan, you the most kind and positively energetic man we have ever had the pleasure of knowing, will forever rest quietly in our thoughts.
John and Lorraine Light
Laura Hay
November 7, 2008
To the De Vaal Family,
I would like to express my deepest sympathies for your loss. This came as an utter shock to me - John was a lovely man and appeared to be very healthy.
I will miss his cheery demeanour around the office.
Best wishes to you all during this difficult time.
Laura Hay
Sandwell Engineering
Satish Rao
November 7, 2008
I worked with Johan is Simpson Power, Maple Ridge, Canada from 1997 to 2000. I was new in Canada and he helped me settle down in my new adopted country. I pray that God rest his soul in peace and give strength and courage to the De Vaal family to bear this great loss.
Bob Stone
November 7, 2008
I met Johan on my commute about two years ago and frequently rode with him on the C27 and the West Coast Express. His cheerful company was one of the highlights of the day and I could always look forward to a lesson on South African history, a chat about global warming or other current events, his weekend visiting with his grandchildren, his favorite music, his enthusiasm for wind power, or the plans he and Lyn were making for their next vacation trip. It was always a pleasure to chat on the morning commute with such an upbeat, kind and knowledgeable individual. I was greatly saddened to hear the news and my heartfelt sympathy goes to his family who I know will miss him greatly.
Ray Tarnai
November 7, 2008
I have worked with Johan for nearly 2 years now, at Sandwell. He was my 'right-hand man', as it were. We were able to work through many challenges together, often calling out across the hall and sharing a laugh or two. The office is somber without his cheerful presence and our dashes to the West Coast Express will be missed. My prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.
Clare Atzema
November 7, 2008
I have known Johan (knew, I guess) for over 20 years. It is hard to believe that I will not hear that warm, stentorian voice again. Even harder still to imagine Lyn without him; these two were such a team. My most vivid memory of that is when they both unexpectedly appeared at my parents house, and then at my sister's wedding, with my twin 2 year olds (one in Johan's arms), rescuing my husband who couldn't make it out of the house with the two of them. Such unexpected kindness and resourcefulness characterized this team.
The last vivid memory I have of Johan was of him patiently following his grandson all around my parents house, up the stairs, under tables, etc, during a party. And how happy he looked doing it. I don't think he saw much of that party.
Words cannot portray the magnitude of this loss.
David Mandelstam
November 7, 2008
Johan was my first boss at South African Airways in Jonannesburg. He was wonderful to work with and great fun to be around. It is hard to believe that such a force of nature is no longer with us.
Ruth Cohen
November 7, 2008
Having known Johan since pre-school, I was very fortunate to reconnect with him in the last few years. Jeff and I will always remember the time we spent together last year and what an amazing gentleman and friend he was. Our deepest condolences to Lynn and family and may God be with you in these saddest of days.
John Mingay
November 6, 2008
Johan and I worked together at TIR for many years and he was a true professional. He looked out for his people, gave of himself to the community, and was not afraid to speak his mind. Above all he kept his sense of humour which made some of the more difficult days, easier. He left a legacy in his work and family to be proud of and will be missed by his many friends and colleagues.
Brent York
November 6, 2008
Johan was my supervisor and an engineering mentor for me when he worked at TIR Systems years ago. I remember Johan as someone who always had time for others and gave freely of himself, as I'm sure all who knew him would agree. My deepest sympathies are extended to all who loved Johan. Please know that those he touched in his life are thinking about his family and close friends at this time.
Norma Horozian
November 5, 2008
I have worked at Sandwell for over 25 yrs and met Johan a couple of years ago when he joined Sandwell.
Johan impressed me immediately with his soft spoken ways and his kind gentle mannerisms. Please know that he was very well liked at Sandwell and we will miss him dearly. I am so sorry for your loss.
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