Obituaries

VANDER HORST, Martin

Martin Vander Horst (Opa) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on October 9th, 2021. Born to Johan and Johanna Vander Horst on March 14th, 1948, he is predeceased by his Wife Patricia and Brother John. He is survived by his 4 siblings Ria, Johanna (Paul), Jo (Judy) and Fran (Jeff) as well as his children: Chris (Kristin), Neil (Kim), Adele (Steve), Derek and Kurtis, and his grandchildren: Rylan, Daye, Jonas, Shawn, Austin, Emma, Becca, Jolie, Eliott, Claira, Gracie, Solara, Olivia and Beckett.

Martin was a man with many stories to tell. He had a zest for life and doing things his way. There was always a lesson in those stories and countless laughs shared. His motto was “some people will like me, some will hate me, but no one will ever forget me.” He will be dearly missed by the countless people whose lives he was part of.

His family would like to continue his legacy of love and asks that donations be made to the Charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.

Condolence Messages

Dec 23, 2021
I just found out that my good friend Martin has passed. To all his family, my sincere condolences. I first met Martin in Ontario in the middle eighties ,over the years we had numerous telephone chats and whenever I was in BC or when he was in AB we would meet and talk of the times we spent together. The last time I seen him was in Kelowna in Aug .of this year. We knew what was coming but it is still a heart breaker. My condolences again to all that knew him, he will be missed. So Sad

Gerald Fincaryk
Oct 21, 2021
I am as sad to read about Marty's death as I was to hear of Pat's passing! Old friends from Ellison who I lost touch with over the years, but I still remember them both fondly! Kurtis and Tyler (Martens) were good buddies and I remember the blue house on the hill as well and made many stops there! I still think of you all every time I drive by! Marty always made me laugh about something! Great conversations with Pat as well! My condolences to you all especially the 14 grandchildren! Wow! I bet your Opa was a wonderful grandfather! Treasure your memories of them both! They'll always be with you!

Sincerely,

Brenda Hunting (formerly Martens)
Oct 18, 2021
Dear Adele, Derek, and Kurtis,

I have some of the best memories of Martin, in the house on the hill where Old Vernon road curves. Martin called me Beckles, and always made me feel like a part of the family. I remember the epic movie collection and Old Dutch boxes of chips for movie nights.

Even later in life, I would run into Martin at the local Tim Hortons and have a friendly chat. He still called me Beckles, and he still made me smile. He will be remembered fondly.

May you all find peace and be surrounded with love during this difficult time.

Rebekah Nissen & Family
Oct 18, 2021
It was always a pleasure to see and chat with Martin at Parkinson' Fitness Centre. My condolences to his family. Adair Banerd
Oct 17, 2021
Martin used to help set up the tables and chairs at the Parkinson Seniors Centre every Thursday night. Then he took tickets at the door. Everybody loved him and he got to know everybody by name He was a very nice man. R.I.P Martin.

Irene
Oct 17, 2021
Adele, Steve, Shawn and Austin. I am sorry to hear about Martin. He was always ready for an adventure. May your fond memories help you through this difficult time. Sherry Armstrong
Oct 17, 2021
Was shocked to read of Martin's passing. Even if it was expected. I too knew Martin from Parkinson's Rec. Centre and found him a very nice guy. May his loved ones be granted the strength to carry on and may his memory be a blessing.

Jerry.
Oct 16, 2021
Martin was a kind and caring man. He always made me laugh I love the jokes he told me. He made me feel like I was the part of the family. My heart go's out to the family. He will be missed. Ron and Donna
Oct 16, 2021
Sorry for all your loss....enjoyed our many conversations at the gym, and coffee afterwards. Martin was a real neat person, and will be sadly missed.

Les
Oct 16, 2021
Martin would always stop by my table at Costco, we would have a chat

and a laugh. He was always so pleasant to everyone.

Sorry to read that he has passed on, my condolances to all,

who loved him.

Grace
Oct 16, 2021
Thinking of you Kurtis as I read this sad news ..may you be surrounded with much love n angels and support during your path ahead ...deepest condolences Gale Winchester