We Remember
van den BRINK, William Charles “Bill”
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van den Brink, William Charles “Bill”, age 89, of Kelowna, BC, died October 14, 2021. Predeceased by his father Pierre, mother Elsie, and younger brother Leonard, Bill is survived by his three children: Doug, Jody, & Ross; his loving partner of the last 11 years, Donna; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Entering the workforce at a young age following the premature death of his own father, Bill followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as an apprentice blacksmith for the CPR in the Ogden Shops in east Calgary, AB. His early duties included scrubbing the interiors of the asbestos-clad boilers of steam locomotives, a practice then undertaken with little, if any, safety equipment, the effects of which would plague his pulmonary health in later years.
Bill joined the Calgary Police Force in 1955, a time when Constables walked the beat for the entirety of their shifts and responded to service through call-boxes attached to light poles. Ascending to the presidency of the fledgling Calgary Police Association early in his career, Bill was instrumental in acquiring, for the Association, a plot of vacant land in downtown Calgary, ostensibly for parking. This acquisition would later house the Association offices and social club and would ultimately secure the financial future of the Association. Retiring with distinction at the rank of Inspector in 1987, Bill went on to work for the Alberta Gaming Commission before fully retiring in 1995.
He was not perfect. A private and sensitive man, he possessed in abundance that quality of stubbornness so often attributed to people of Dutch ancestry. Yet he was also kind, caring, generous, and loyal to a fault, revered by many whom he had the privilege to command. Alternating between the Shuswap, Okanagan and Yuma, Bill enjoyed his golden years until failing health relegated him to remain in Kelowna, where he was doted upon by his loving partner Donna. He wanted to die at home, and nearly attained that goal, and we are grateful to the staff of KGH emergency and 6-west for their care in easing his final hours. He would have particularly wanted to acknowledge his faithful friend Ed Hodgson, who always had his back. A fixture in our lives for many decades is suddenly gone, and his absence is felt immensely.
There will be no service at his request.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
To the van den Brink Family – we are so saddened to hear of the passing of Bill. I sure enjoyed working with Bill during our years at CPS. We extend our sincere condolences to the family. He sure will be missed
Len & Fran Esler
Donna we are so sorry to hear of Bills passing, we will treasure the many dinners , card games , and laughs we had , a lot of them at Bills expense.. He had a very dry whit, wish he could have won more quarters . Take of yourself friend and all the best. Your friends Don and Carol
Doug, Jody, Ross;
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Doug followed his footsteps for sometime. Your dad lived a very full life and it is difficult when they leave a void in your life. I hope you are comforted by your memories. Thinking of you all at this time of mourning.
Dear Doug and family, I truly enjoyed and respected working for Inspector Bill Brink in 1 district. He was an exception leader and I admired his sense of humour. Sending my deepest sympathies.
Doug,
On behalf of Kathy and myself, no words can adequately express our condolences. As you know he was my first and best inspector when I was promoted. He treated Kath and I with utmost respect. I enjoyed his council and tried to use his examples throughout my career. I have nothing but great memories of him.
Doug, Jody, Ross and Donna,
Please accept sincerest condolences on the loss of your father and partner. A man I admired and respected, I always enjoyed working for Inspector “Bill” Brink, without doubt one of the most direct, honest men I had the pleasure of knowing during my career. You always knew exactly where you stood with your father and partner, qualities which made him a true officer and gentleman. He will be missed and I know you will all remain very proud of him.
With sincere sympathy,
John BYERS
My heartfelt sympathy to my cousins Doug , Jody and Ross, their families, and to Donna. I have many fond memories of Uncle Bill growing up and will always remember his sense of humour and smile.. Love to you all.