VAN DYKE
Thys (Ted)
December 3, 1925 - September 20, 2016
A wonderful man is missing from our lives, but not from our hearts. With sadness and warmth we announce the peaceful passing of Thys Van Dyke on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at age 90. Born on Dec. 3, 1925, Thys and his 5 brothers grew up on a small farm in Kootwijk, Gld, in the Netherlands. As a young man he served four years in the Dutch military where he was primarily stationed in Indonesia. Soon after his return, in 1951, Thys married the love of his life, Janna, and together they immigrated to Canada to begin their new adventure in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, where he worked as a ranch hand on the famous Balhorn Ranch. In 1955, Thys and Janna moved to Peace River, Alberta where he worked for the city's water treatment facility until 1972. Peace River was home for many years and where they raised their 2 children. Through this time, Thys was actively involved with the Junior and Senior hockey leagues, curling, and Elks B.P.O.E. In 1972, he and Janna moved to the beautiful Chilliwack River Valley to pursue chicken farming. Eventually Thys moved his farm to Yale Road West in Greendale and continued farming there until he retired in 1988. He spent the following years travelling with his wife, RVing around the West Coast, gardening, puzzling, and watching local hockey. He enjoyed good conversation, a home-cooked meal, and in most recent years especially, long scenic drives and fresh mountain air. More than anything, Thys loved his family. He was a kind and devoted husband to his wife of 65 years. He cared deeply for her and for his two children, who meant the world to him. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchild. Thys is predeceased by his brothers, Henk van Dijk, Miep van Dijk, and Jan van Dijk, and by his son-in-law, Roy Mussell. He is survived by his wife, Janna, his two brothers, Ab (Tina) van Dijk and Brand van Dijk, his brother-in-law, Leen (Gre) Achterberg, his children, Ron (Grace) Van Dyke and Maryanne Mussell. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Stuart Reaugh, Courtney (Craig) Dalton, Stephanie Van Dyke, and Madison (Justin Wilting) Mussell, and his great-grandson, Jack Dalton. We remember Thys as a strong, supportive, and humble man. He was meticulous and neat, and always made us laugh. He modelled determination and courage, and showed us how to overcome life's obstacles with grace and humour. He was genuine, thoughtful, and loved a good Dutch party. With that, he has requested that there be no public service, just a small family party to celebrate his life. We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Chow and Dr. Lewis, to Nurse Jackie and Nurse Gerdina (Chilliwack General Hospital), and to Gabriel (Home Care) for taking such good care of our Thys. We love and miss him very much. Messages for the family may be posted under 'Ted Van Dyke' at www.dignitymemorial.ca