Randal George Vandermeulen – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Randy Vandermeulen on 23 November 2016 at his home in Nanaimo, BC. Randy’s life was cut short after a valiant battle with cancer.
Randy was born on 19 February 1957 in Souris, Manitoba. He worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway as a locomotive engineer. Most of his 35-year career was worked out of the Brandon terminal — relocating to Saskatchewan for his final 5 years and retiring to Vancouver Island in 2013. During his career, Randy served several years as Local Chairman of the UTU.
Randy had a quest for learning. He was an accomplished 33rd degree Mason and Shriner. He earned his private and commercial pilot’s licenses and enjoyed viewing all the Western provinces from the cockpit of his own plane. Some of his many interests included travelling, golfing and spending time with family and friends.
Much loved and sadly missed by mother and father, Gerry & George Vandermeulen, brother, Larry Vandermeulen, sisters Jan (Gerry) Hollett and Sandi (Gene) Granstrom, nieces, Breeanne Hollett (Nick Parisien), Brittany Hollett (Will Farrell), Brooke (Kenny) White, Brigette Hollett (Eric Demarco), nephews Logan and Dillon Granstrom, great nephew Kyle White, and numerous Aunts, Uncles & cousins.
Cremation has taken place and a “Celebration of Life” in Randy’s honour was held at St Paul’s United Church, Souris, Manitoba on Friday December 16, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Shriner’s Hospital for Sick Children – Canada.
Dear Gerry and George – We were shocked and saddened to read of Randy’s passing – far to soon. Remembering our times in Souris, Randy always had such a positive outlook and a zest for life …. it is comforting to know that he had some retirement time, although short as it was, to pursue some great adventures. Our sincere condolences to you and your family at your loss – our thoughts are with you during this difficult time…. Ray and Betty Howe, Maple Ridge BC
There is no way to say how sorry we are for your loss of Randy. Cancer is a brutal disease that has taken way too many people. I have a lot of fond memories ,Randy was full of life.
Randy could win you over with his beautiful smile and cheerful disposition.
He made the world a better place.
Gerry and George, and family, so very sorry to hear about your loss of Randy. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Hi Gerry And George
Although we have never met I would like you to know that Randy a d I shared many good times together flying together and at the lodge.
He will be sadly missed by many at both places.
Both Randy and I took our flight training at Maple Leaf Aviation under the instruction of Len Fisher.
To all of Randy’s family-please accept our sincerest condolences – there is no way to say how sorry we are for your loss. We remember Randy as a man with a happy face and a very positive outlook. We are glad that Randy got to appreciate some of his retirement plan on Vancouver Island. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Gerry and George, Sandy, Jan and Larry. I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Randy. He was someone who I will remember as always being happy. He had a great laugh and I can’t think of a time I saw him without that huge smile. Thinking of your whole family.