ADRIAN VanROOYEN

Mr. Adrianus (Adrian) Zegert Willem VanRooyen, 64, of Cambrian Cres., passed away unexpectedly upon arrival at hospital on Thursday, April 22, 2004.
Born Dec. 3, 1939 in Harmelen, Holland, he emigrated to Canada in 1948, where his family settled in St. Catharines, Ont. When he was 19, he joined the Ministry of Natural Resources, which brought him to Northwestern Ontario.
Later, he worked as a forest ranger and conservation officer throughout the northwest. He was the assistant superintendent of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and Quetico Provincial Park, and in June, 1993 he retired as Senior Land Technician.
After his “official” retirement, he also worked for Home Hardware and the Boy Scouts of North America.
Adrian had a strong commitment to community life and was involved in numerous activities, including the Lion’s Club in Atikokan (past president), the library board, and as a board member of the Economic Development Center and the Barrier Free Committee.
Adrian expressed his creativity through numerous indoor and outdoor hobbies, including gardening and sketching. And during the last two years, he found great pride and much happiness in caring for his and Sonja’s bed and breakfast and their extensive travels.
Adrian will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humour and his great love for family and friends.
He was predeceased by Lynne, Elizabeth, his wife of 36 years; his parents, Hendrik and Geertruida; and sister, Elly DeRooy (Nick).
He is survived by his wife, Sonja Marie; daughter, Gena VanRooyen and fiancé, Jamie Arnott of Hamilton, Ont.; son, Scott VanRooyen (Monique) of Riviere Qui Barre, Alta.; step-daughters, Christie Hartley (Ryan) and Cathie Isaksen (Derek); father-in-law, Carl Nielsen (Annelise); grandchildren, Liam and Keegan VanRooyen, and Joshua and Kamryn Hartley; brothers, Henk VanRooyen (Fya) in the Netherlands, and Joh VanRooyen (Ena) in Barrie, Ont.;
and sister, Trudy (Alvin) Smith in St. Catharines.
Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 26, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Matthew Diegel officiating.
Cremation was to follow.
Visitation for friends was held Sunday, April 25, 2004 from 6-8 p.m. in the Everest Funeral Chapel.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Salem Lutheran Church Pass Lake, or the Celiac Association would be greatly appreciated.