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Howard Vander Hoek passed away peacefully November 19, 2009 at Shuswap Lake Hospital at the age of 80 years. Born February 10, 1929 in Heeg, Friesland, The Netherlands, he married Alice Bakker in January 1952 and they immigrated to Canada a few months later. The young couple started their new life in Lumby, B.C, later moving to the Coldstream Ranch and then to Salmon Arm when they purchased a dairy farm in 1960.

Howard worked hard to provide for his growing family but also contributed to church and community as time and energy allowed. He was instrumental in rebuilding a congregation at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and spearheaded a building program when they outgrew their small facility. Howard often attributed his business success to the Credit Union which had helped him purchase his farm. He was, in consequence, a passionate supporter of the principles upon which Credit Unions and Co-operatives are based and gave countless hours in service. He served more than twenty years on the Board of Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union, many of them a President. Likewise, he served on the Board of Mainline Co-op and was President when Cedarvale Centre was opened in 1977. He was extraordinarily proud of the contributions both organizations made to the life of this community. He also enjoyed the fellowship of the Rotary Club as the members worked on their many diverse projects. For many years he was also a volunteer bus driver taking seniors from Pioneer Lodge and Bastian Place to appointments and on outings.

As active as he was, he was first and foremost a family man. His 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren were the joys of his life. Howard was predeceased by his son John in 1972, by his wife Alice in 2002 and later his sister Sylvia. He will be deeply missed by his wife Lavalle, whom he married in 2007, and the rest of his loving family: daughter Harriet (James) Hanna, Art (Audrey), Cecil (Rayna), Frank (Ruby), and Bill (Karen) and by Lavalle’s children Penny, Sherrie (Sandra) and Thomas (Cindy) Favell. He is survived by his brother John and his sisters Jane, Brenda, Edith and Kathleen and their families.

A family graveside interment took place Monday, November 23, 2009 with a Celebration of Howard’s Life following at the First United Church in Salmon Arm with Darryl Auten officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Howard’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC, Box 1141, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4P3.

Arrangements entrusted to  FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD.., Salmon Arm (250) 833- 1129.  Email condolences and share memories at  www.fischersfuneralservices.com.



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