Obituaries

VAN DER GULIK, Peter

June 25, 1925 - November 13, 2022

It is with deep sadness that the family of Peter van der Gulik announce his peaceful passing, at the age of 97, in the family home, and surrounded by his loved ones on November 13, 2022.

Peter leaves behind to mourn: his loving wife of 69 years, Tina; his eight children: Yuyun (Oscar), Ted (Karen), Vera (Claude), Rose (Richard), Lisa (Jeff), Connie (Charles d.2017), Della (Lane), and David; his 27 grandchildren; his 24 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members in Canada, The Netherlands, and elsewhere around the world.

Peter was born in Blokker, North Holland on June 25, 1925. He was the oldest of nine siblings. At the end of the 2nd World War, Peter served 4 years for the Dutch army in Indonesia from 1945 to 1949. In November 1951 Peter met the love of his life, Tina. They were engaged in February 1952, just before he immigrated to Canada with his family in March. After a year of letter writing, Tina made the journey to Canada to join him, and they were married on April 6, 1953. Peter and Tina worked hard and built their life together raising 7 children on their orchard.

Peter was a meticulous orchardist. He took great pride in his orchard and in producing grade-A fruit. He and Tina were an excellent example of a strong work ethic and living a faith filled life. Peter was a true family man. He valued being able to work on the family orchard and spending his work and leisure time with Tina and his children. He enjoyed taking his children to the beach every day through the summer, reading, dancing, playing chess and cards. He didn’t have a strong need for a big social life. His social circle primarily consisted of spending time, when he could, with his siblings’ and their families.

Peter retired from the orchard in his mid-sixties, and he and Tina moved to their home on Okanagan Centre Road in 1992. Peter spent his retirement years working in his yard, playing billiards, tinkering and fixing things, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his last few years, he expressed his readiness to transition to the next life. Often, when asked how he was doing, his response was “I’m still waiting”. His long wait is over, and he will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to these charities, which were near and dear to Peter's heart: Operation Smile, operationsmile.ca, the Canadian Cancer Society, cancer.ca, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstroke.ca.

Prayers will be held on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022, at 6:30 PM, at ST. EDWARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH (11123 Okanagan Rd Ctr E, Lake Country, BC)

The Funeral Mass will take place at the church on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022, at 10:30 AM. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
A private family interment will take place on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at St. Theresa's Cemetery.

To view the Livestream/recording or send the family condolences, please visit his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com (or click the direct link with his name in it, just below).

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/van-der-gulik-peter

Condolence Messages

Nov 28, 2022
Dear Vera...to you and your family my deepest condolences. I spent many happy times and meals with your family when you and I were in school together. Those are very fond memories for me. Your dad was a wonderful man. - Lisa Gunn
Nov 27, 2022
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He will be missed.

Gail Zvonarich - GAIL ZVONARICH
Nov 26, 2022
Vera, Tina and the rest of the gang... so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. Wasn't the beach just the best place of all. R.I.P. Peter.

Jane Dobson
Nov 25, 2022
My deepest condolences to the Van der Gulik Family, we met briefly and I will always remember,

Donald Wilson - Donald K Wilson
Nov 25, 2022
Mrs. Van der Gulik and the whole Van der Gulik Family: Please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of Mr. Van der Gulik. We know that he is resting at peace in the loving grace of our saviour Jesus Christ. In life we have the opportunity to meet many wonderful people, but few as honourable and gracious as Peter. Attending St, Edward's will not be the same. We share in your grief and please know that Peter and all of you, are in our thoughts and prayers, God Bless. Mike, Filomena and the entire Romei Family. - Michele Romei - (Mike)
Nov 24, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Peter was such an enormous inspiration to so many. Knowing the Vanderguliks, what a legacy he left with such an incredibly beautiful family. May you rest in peace in the arms of the angels. With heartfelt condolences,Frank and Corinne Gorges - Corinne Gorges
Nov 22, 2022
To the Van Der Gulik family - Our families have had wonderful memories over the years and will especially treasure the Dutch heritage and bond that was between us. Getting the “Dutchies” together for Sunday afternoon coffee, birthday gatherings and anniversary parties are only a few great memories shared with Arie and Aletta Walraven and family. Sending sincere condolences and big hugs to you all. May Pete Rest In Everlasting Peace! - Stienie Mateus (nee Walraven)
Nov 18, 2022
We remember you from our time in Lake Country at St. Edwards and are sending you our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies.

Ray and Christina Schilling, Kelowna.

- Christina and Ray Schilling
Nov 18, 2022
My condolences to Ted and Karen and the family for your great loss. May he Rest In e Peace Susan Selzler
Nov 18, 2022
Van der Gulik family, So very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ron & Celine - Celine Schaad
Nov 18, 2022
DAVID SIR-- THE LAST TIME WE TALKED WAS IN 1978 AND YET I HAD NO MORE RESPECT FOR ANOTHER STUDENT THAN FOR YOU. WE STARTED SCHOOL TOGETHER. I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I LOST BOTH OF MY PARENTS LAST YEAR--NOT AN EASY TIME - SO SORRY!! REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES THAT YOU ENJOYED TOGETHER------J. BRUN - JASON BRUN
Nov 18, 2022
My sincerest condolences to the Van der Gulik family.

Steve - Steve Fair
Nov 18, 2022
Ted- very sorry to see this news. Our sincerest condolences to you and all your family. Steve Thomson - Steve Thomson
Nov 18, 2022
Della,Lane and family, we send you our condolences and prayers at the loss of your father. Jane Donahue and Ben Leboe - Jane Donahue
Nov 18, 2022
R.I.P. Peter

Thank you for your service.

Sincerely - Rick V
Nov 18, 2022
To the Van der Gulik family

I am sorry for your loss but find it heart warming to hear Mr. Van der Gulik was ready!!

I send my prayers and love to you all

Liz Godfrey-Drought
Nov 18, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Domenic and Lina Rampone - Domenic and Lina Rampone
Nov 18, 2022
To the entire. Van Der Gulik family. We are sad to hear of your loss but we know Peter is where he wished to be now. The Janz family - Glenda Jackson
Nov 18, 2022
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father Connie, never an easy transition. May you find comfort in your grief and hold your precious memories dear. God bless you during this time. Dave, Jaynee and Cohen Way - Jaynee Way
Nov 18, 2022
Deepest condolences to the Van der Gulik family. Had the pleasure of growing up on Seaton Road with you. - Brenda Mullen