Exemplifying the strength and determination with which he lived, and surrounded by the family he raised and loved, Art Sunder passed peacefully into the hands of his Lord on January 8, 2006 at the age of 72 after a long and difficult struggle with both cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Art will forever remain in the hearts of his family, including his wife of 50 years, Anna, who cared for him tirelessly throughout his life and especially during his illness. Sharing the sorrow of his loss are his children, Peter (Patti), Leo (Tina), Margaret (John) Bekkers, Anita (Mike) McMahon, Theresa (Darryl) Kokoska, John (Christine), his 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Art is also survived by five sisters and one brother in the Netherlands as well as many extended family. He was predeceased by his parents and one brother.
Art was born in Schipluiden, the Netherlands on September 28, 1933. He came to Canada in 1953 to see if he could make a life here. He returned to Holland a year and a half later to marry his sweetheart, Anna, returning to BC with his new bride in 1955, with little means but much promise and hope. Art spent years working several jobs in Richmond and in 1962 the family moved to a dairy farm in Chilliwack to pursue Art’s passion for farming. Art’s dream of owning his own farm was realized in 1966 when the family moved to Nicomen Island. Until his retirement eight years ago, Art enjoyed nothing more than being home on the farm he loved, a farm which remains in the family today.
The family would like to thank Dr. Wouterloot for his care over the years and the staff at the Dr. Stuart Pavilion for keeping Dad comfortable during his final days. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and other caregivers at Valleyview in Coquitlam. The respect, compassion and kindness for Dad shown by them gave our family the comfort and support we needed to walk this road with him.
Prayers will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 7:30 pm and a funeral mass on Friday, January 13, 2006 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mission. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of BC or the Canadian Cancer Society would be most appreciated.
Henderson’s Funeral Home 604-854-5534