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Arie Vink went to be with the Lord on the 19th of February, 2012 at the Cascade Hospice at 84 years old. Arie was born in Sliedrecht, The Netherlands on Nov. 16, 1927. He was the fourth child of 10 siblings. The family lived on a farm and were very close. A part of Arie’s life was helping his family through WWII and he assisted the family in making sure everyone had food.

In 1952 Arie immigrated to Canada along with brothers Henk (Ada, Ria, Bert) Dick and Pete. Sister Maria joined the family 2½ years later, and lastly Walter joined the rest of his brothers and sister in the early 1970’s. Arie focused on making enough money to bring his fiancé Grietje to Canada and they were married on Feb. 18, 1953.

Arie started farming in Matsqui, BC. In 1958 the family moved to Abbotsford where Arie had a variety of businesses. Gordon Young as a truck driver and then he started his own business called A&W Soap Distributors. “A Soap that wants to be Known by Clean Things Alone”. He loved selling farm equipment for Patz Equipment so he could travel all across the Fraser Valley. Bakerview Building Supplies was another business venture. Arie once again started farming in 1969 in Greendale for five years and in 1973 moved to Agassiz where he purchased his own farm. Arie also operated a “Feed Lot” for five or so years. Arie later worked for LC Pallet and after a few years of learning that trade, Arie’s final business endeavor was again his own business with A & G Fencing.

Arie Vink is lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Grietje. They have four children; Mary-Anne, Larry (Bev), Henry (Brenda) & Ed (Carolyn). Arie was very proud of his 11 grandchildren; Dana Visser (Blair), Trevor Vink (Natasha), Curt De Armond (Lynn), Jennifer Perrault (Francois), Gina De Armond, Denise Halldorson (Lance), Blaine Vink (Michelle), Erin Hathaway (Jeff), Bram, Carli, & Nate. There are also 15 precious great-grandchildren; and a brother Johann (Ans) and sister Cor Vink in Holland. Arie is sadly predeceased by Hendrik Vink (brother), Piet Vink (brother) Wilhelmina Van Voorden (sister) & Bram Vink (grandson).

Many thanks to the Cascade Hospice and the amazing dedicated nurses and volunteers from the Vink family. They all assisted in caring not only for Arie, but for all of his family and countless visitors. The Hospice also took Grietje into their caring arms during Arie’s lengthy illness.

A public viewing will be held at Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, 45865 Hocking Ave., Chilliwack on Thursday, February 23 from 7-9 pm. Refreshments and videos of Arie’s life will be shared as well. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012 at the Free Reformed Church, 45471 Yale Rd., Chilliwack, with Pastor John Koopman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Arie Vink’s name to the Chilliwack Hospice or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Online condolences can be left at www.Woodlawn-MtCheam.ca



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