We are sad to announce the death of Dr. Robert W. Van der Flier on December 12th, 2010. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on May 11, 1925. As a physician and specialist in internal medicine, Bob lived his life in dedication to his profession. Serving the Fraser Valley for 20 years, he was an old fashioned doctor whose ability was widely respected in the community. His greatest pride was the intensive care unit at the Chilliwack General Hospital and the wonderful nurses who worked there.
As a young child, in 1937, Bob moved with his parents back to Holland to reunite with his Dutch extended family and went to school there for a few years before leaving in 1939 to move to Canada, landing in Halifax and moving to Toronto. He attended high school in Toronto and graduated from medical school from the University of Toronto in 1949. The following year, he completed a junior internship at the Toronto General Hospital, where he met his future wife Jean.
He furthered his education by attending McGill University where he graduated with his Diploma in Internal Medicine in 1952. He began his career as a research doctor at Sunnybrook Hospital doing original work in the area of cholesterol. He then moved to Port Arthur, Ontario (now Thunder Bay) in 1954 where he practiced internal medicine for 12 years, before moving his family to Chilliwack.
“Dr. V.”, as he was affectionately known, was fortunate to have had 20 years of retirement during which he followed his passion for reading and music. Bob was very proud of his family and passed on to them his values of service, hard work and integrity. His loss is mourned by his wife of 58 years Jean, his children John (Laura), Susan and David (Ingrid), his grandchildren Roger, Adrian, Jenny, Karina, Jordan, Sarah and Sophie and his great grandson Owen. He was pre-deceased by his daughter-in-law Nancy Pritchard. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the B.C. Cancer Foundation would be appreciated. He survived cancer twice and went on to live a productive life, finally succumbing to Parkinson’s disease. On his behalf, we express heartfelt thanks to his special caregivers Nerissa Pereda and Joy Bombita, who gave tireless and loving care to him during his illness. We would also like to give a special thank you to Dr. Mark MacKenzie. A memorial tea will be held at a later date.
Online condolences can be left at www.hendersonsfunerals.com