Obituary of Albert van Angeren

Albert van Angeren , a long time resident of the Peace River area, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2013 in Dawson Creek at the age of 89 years. Albertus Adrianus Maria van Angeren was born on March 27, 1924 in The Hague, Holland. He was the eldest son of Johannes and Cornelia. The family later welcomed younger brother, Jan in 1934. The family spent the majority of Jan's younger years living in The Hague until World War II broke out, and the country became occupied by Germany. Alberta had to grow up quickly given the circumstances and went to work on various farms and work camps until Holland's liberation by the Allies. Albert was the adventurous type and sought out to explore the world. This took him to Great Britain where he worked on a sheep farm, and to South Africa where he worked on a ranch. His final destination would be Canada in 1948 where he was sponsored by Johnny Nordeen, where he hand hewed ties for the railway. Albert knew his calling was ranching and farming. He often found himself tending to the various animals that the Nordeen family had on their land. After a year of residing in the Sicamous area, Alberta decided to venture further west and ended up in the Vancouver area. There he worked for Deely's as a mechanic on various import automobiles and motorcycles. During this time, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Clare whom he later married in 1950. Albert enjoyed his time in the Lower Mainland but still missed farming and so the couple sought out for a new adventure. This landed the young family in the Kersley area working for the Yorston Ranch along the Fraser River. Albert, Dorothy and their daughter Ruth enjoyed their life on the farm and quickly developed a strong connection with many people in their community. Although Albert enjoyed his employment with the Yorston family, he longed to have a place he could call his own. Albert heard that there was 'free land' in the Peace River area and made the decision to relocate his family to homestead his own land. Albert filed for a homestead lease on a half section north of Goodlow in the summer of 1954. Unfortunately Albert soon realized that the roads in the area were poor, the land needed excessive work that was not going to be operational before winter was upon them. He opted to move the family to Pouce Coupe where he purchased his first piece of land and built a home for the family. Albert was able to purchase the land by trading his motorcycle for the land title from Pete Sheck. In 1957, Albert returned back to the land in Goodlow and started to develop the family farm. He cleared the land, built various buildings including what would become the family's new home. Albert worked various jobs in the oilfield but his main source of employment was working for the Department of Highways as a grader operator and later a foreman. Albert retired from the Department of Highways after 25 years of service and was able to focus his primary attention doing the things that he enjoyed most. Albert lived his life as he wanted, living off the land that he treasured so dear, surrounded by his friends and family and this is the legacy that Albert leaves behind. A memorial service was held on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 1:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel, Percy Gould officiated. Interment will be at a later date. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Albert to the Rotary Manor, Dawson Creek, BC V1G-5A3. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium