We Remember
Van STAALDUINEN, Casey
December 16, 1935 — August 5, 2023
Our father, Cornelis “Casey” van Staalduinen, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 5, 2023, in Kelowna, BC. We thank Dr M. Bobyn and the staff at Glenmore Lodge for their incredible care, support, and kindness to our dad.
Casey was born in Rozenburg, Netherlands on December 16, 1935. At the age of 15, he immigrated to Canada in 1951 with his parents, Bart and Helena, and seven siblings. Three years later, his sister introduced him to the love of his life, Cornelia “Connie” VanderPol. They married in 1958 in Medicine Hat, AB and started their family soon after. Casey began his commercial painting career alongside his father and brothers in Red Deer, AB, and he used this talent well into his 80s. Thanks Dad, for all the home painting projects you did for all of us over the years!
Many of you will know Casey as your Dutch real estate agent who would bring a round of Gouda to all his favourite clients or the skillful painter, who painted half the rural schools in Alberta. In 1973, Casey fell in love with Kelowna on a weekend getaway with his wife Connie. A month later, they moved their family of five from Red Deer to Kelowna to start a new life! With the opening of the Parkinson’s Recreation Centre in 1973, together with a few other families, Casey and Connie founded the Kelowna Aqua-jets Swim Club. Casey was an active volunteer and could be seen as the chief referee at swim meets, flipping pancakes at Kiwanis breakfasts, or raising money for local charities.
As a father, he was the loudest person cheering and never missed a game for each of his five children. Dad and Mom were proud of their roots, and took all of us to the Netherlands to visit their home country and meet our extended family. On all of our camping and hiking trips, Dad would never miss the opportunity to entertain us with his yodelling ability. Dad loved to sing, whether in the church choir, musical theatre, or on one of our many family road trips. Later in life, Casey and Connie attended Trinity Baptist, where they both felt so very moved by the spirit of song and celebration of Christ.
Dad’s lasting legacy is the love and generous spirit that he had for his family. He never missed a chance to get together with his siblings. One of his shining moments was winning a homemade wine tasting contest against his three brothers at one of our many family reunions.
Casey is survived by his siblings Art (Marion), Ina, Bart (Loretta), Gerrit (Sharmaine), and brother-in-law, Willie. He was predeceased by his sisters Nellie, Emma, Marian, and brothers-in-law Casey, Peter, and Steve. He will also be missed by his brother- and sisters-in-law, Hank, Riny, and Mary Ann, and he was predeceased by Ralph.
Casey leaves those that loved him the most: his wife Connie; and children Cora & Greg Pickering, Jo-Ann & Dan Sandberg, Helena & Armin Gottschling, Bart & Angie van Staalduinen, and Jacqueline & Bill Arling.
Casey was an amazing grandfather to Tony (Debbie), Alex (Amber), Connor, Jason (Heather), Debra (Quintin), Matthew (Kate), Andrew, Lauren, Jackson, Bennett, and Sam. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren Tulia, Claire, Augustus, Jaxon, and Levi.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Casey’s life, with Pastor Gordon Fletcher officiating, will be held on MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
Monday, August 14, 2023, at 10:00 AM
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Link: www.jdrf.org
Service Information
Service Details
The service for Van STAALDUINEN, Casey is scheduled for Monday, August 14, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
It is never easy saying the final good bye to a parent , they are always with us, after they made who we are. Share the stories and yes reminisce about “the good old days” with them and watch the younger generation roll their eyes. Laugh and hold tight to those memories, it’s amazing how even the not so good memories are strangely comforting . 🙂 Hugs to the VanStaalduinen Family ox Virginia & Tola
Our deepest condolences to the Van Staalduinen family.
May you be there for each other and remember all the good times which were plenty.
Hugs to you all.
Jackie Allan Mackenna and Zoe
Dear Connie and family. Both Riny and I wish to extend our condolences to all of you on the passing of Casey. Both of us are very thankful of having been able to spend the last few years of his life as his neighbour. We had great happy hours every Friday! Strength to all of you during this difficult time. Love from Hank (brother of Connie) and Riny.
Dear Connie & Family,
We have joined you live… Our many thoughts are with you all with the loss of Casey a brother, husband, father, grandfather & uncle ..
May the memories we have live in our hearts forever ..
❤️ & Hugs,
Sister Ina & family
Thinking of you all during this time. I spent many summers in Kelowna & Uncle Casey was always fun to be around. I remember him & your mom would volunteer at Pancake Breakfasts and take us ( Jacquie) along, or drop us at the Beach. Lots of great memories.
Uncle Casey was a. Great Uncle, Dad and person. He will be missed. hugs.