We Remember
VANDERWOOD, Jack (Jacob van der Woude)
July 6, 1915 — May 1, 2012
Our father (Heit), grandfather (Pake) and great-grandfather (Oer Pake) Jack passed away early in the morning of May 1, 2012 having lived much of his life on his terms. Mourning his passing are his companion ‘Beppe’ Rinske, along with children Paul (Kathleen) of Delta, Bertha (Bruce) of Okanagan Centre, and Martin (Marion) of Sooke. Also mourning their grandfather are Russell (Debbie), Anna (Jeremy), Mark (Ingrid), David (Janice), and Denise (Larry) and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Samuel, Claire, Adam, Jonathan and Nicholas as well as Kathleen’s daughters Celina and Melissa and his many friends in Canada and The Netherlands. Jack was pre-deceased by his wife Sytsche (van Manen) in 1977. In later years, the Capri Sunday brunch and the IHOP restaurant were favourites. IHOP staff will miss his order of the ‘rise and shine’ along with ‘coffee with hot milk and honey.’
Jack was born on July 6, 1915 in Drachten (The Netherlands) to parents Lolle (van der Woude) and Anna (Yntema). He attended school from 1921 until 1932. Due to the depression, Jack was the only member of his class to have a job when he finished school. He joined the Frico (Frisian Co-Operative Dairy Export Company) in their office. In 1941 he purchased an insurance portfolio and in 1945 added an accounting office in partnership with his close and life-long friend Akko v/d Veen.
Jack moved his family from The Netherlands to Kelowna on April 1, 1957. He first worked in the offices of the company installing the gas pipeline through the OK Valley and then for the Kelowna Bridge Company. Soon he moved back into the insurance business and after several years in insurance became very successful in real estate and land development.
As a result of health problems as a young married man, Jack pursued healthy eating habits long before these were picked up by the mainstream media, including avoiding sugar, bad carbs, etc. His breakfast was ‘grains’ and the recipe became so popular that the Springfield Bulk Food store has a bin labelled: ‘Jack’s Grains.’ He helped many to better health with his recommendations for grains, fresh fruit, and vegetables. His ‘mission’ to educate all of us on healthy eating habits resulted in plenty of ‘letters to the editor’ and he became a well-known contributor to the Daily Courier.
The family wishes to thank the exemplary staff at Brandt’s Creek Mews for heartfelt caring and their attentive and personal service and thank Dr. Sokol for his kind attention to Jack.
The family will hold a private interment. A celebration of Jack’s life is planned for a later date in Okanagan Centre BC. If you wish to attend this celebration of life please RSVP Bertha at 250-766-1125 or Paul at 604-946-4184.
Service
A celebration of Jack's life is planned for a later date in Okanagan Centre BC.
Berta, our thoughts are with you at this time. He was a great man and great neighbour. Bev & Bill
Our heart felt sympathy goes out to all of Jack’s family. He was an exceptional man who brought many a smiles to our family.
Heaven just got a little funner!
his smile will live on , like his grains.
Our hearts are with you Berta and Rinske.
Rodger and Jamie
We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
Our heartfelt feelings are going out to all concerned family. Thinking about the many years we could visit “the house on the corner” sharing our experiences and thoughts. Now the memories are remaining…and an empty place …and… a house less to visit.
We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow
So very saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Karen & Gord
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Take care/
Sorry to hear of your loss. Want you to know that our thougths are with you and your family at this time. Take care.
Denise, Larry, Stuart, and the
Vanderwood family, Our thoughts and
prayers are with you at this time.
We were very sorry to hear about Jack’s
passing and he will be missed at our
meals on Tuesday’s.From All of us that
knew him – Gisela Harding President.
To Paul and Kathleen and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Randy and Janice
Bertha, Denise, and all of Jack’s family,
Our sincerest condolences.
We can appreciate your loss of the patriarch of the family.
Our best wishes for the days ahead.
Gwenn & Ralf Koch
To Jack’s family and friends our most sincere condolences. Thinking of you, Armando and Annelies Ferreira
Hi Bertha
So sad to hear that your dad passed away. He had a long and good life, and he will be missed. It is interesting that through death we keep intouch with long time family friends. It is always appreciated that you came to my dad,s memorial service with your dad, it was good to see you both that is already 10 years ago. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Louise.
Dear Bertha, Paul and all Jack’s family;
Albert and I were such good friends with Jack and Rinske and loved them so when they attended St. Paul’s United Church. Happy memories!
I was so privileged to have had a few good visits with him at Brandt Creek Mews this past while.
God Bless you all.
Sincerely, Beryl Baldeo
Dear Rinske and Bertha,
A small condolence from Holland.
I shall never forget our first contact on the`steiger`that was the beginning of a very pleasant contact for many years.
I shall remember him as a special dutchman in Canada.
gerbrand/Ellen.