It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Casey Vandenbrink on June 28, 2008 at Shuswap Lake General Hospital at the age of 73. Casey was predeceased by his father, mother, brother Max, and sister Johanna.
Casey passed into the arms of the Lord surrounded by his family. He will be forever loved and remembered by his loving wife Ferlina; his children Judi of Calgary, Dave (Carolin) of Merritt, Don (Ada) of Prince George, Sharon (Randy) of Coquitlam, and Tanya (Darin) of Kamloops; grandchildren Cory, Cora, Tony, Darcie, Tara, Samantha; great grand children Kaylin, Kylie and Riley, Elizabeth, Teigan, and Dayton; brothers John (Jean), and Tony (Judy); sister-in-law Ella, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Casey was born on April 24, 1935 in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. He immigrated to Canada in 1953 with his mother, father and siblings. Casey lived in Alberta for the next ten years. He met and married Carol in 1957, and they had four children. In 1967, Casey moved his family to Kamloops. He had a wide variety of education and occupations. Casey was a registered psychiatric nurse, certified small engine mechanic, licenced correctional services officer, trained deputy sheriff and foster parent. He owned KC’s Express, helped form the Kamloops Wildlife Park, worked at the Tranquille Institute and Raleigh Correctional Facility. In 1974, Casey became a deputy sheriff and moved to Merritt. Casey and his then wife Sonya had a daughter, Tanya, in 1975.
In 1984, Casey moved to Salmon Arm and continued to work as a deputy sheriff. He married his loving wife Ferlina in 1985. Casey and Ferlie opened their home to numerous children in care. Casey retired from the sheriff services in 1997.
Casey was a remarkable man who had many talents including; painting, building, and a lifetime passion for learning about and raising birds. His warmth, caring, wisdom, faith, and incredible sense of humour will be missed by his family and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at the Cornerstone Christian Reformed Church on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to
sympathy@bowersfuneralservice.com
Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm.