Nicholas "Nick" Mans

Nick Mans passed away at the age of 65 at his home in Abbotsford, British Columbia on Sept 17, 2026 surrounded by family. Several years ago Nick was diagnosed with cancer. He bravely faced all treatments with strength and determination. Nick lived his last weeks with a sense of peace and dignity until he was welcomed into the arms of his loving saviour.

Nick was born on March 9, 1961 in Grimsby, Ontario to Jantina Mans (nee Elzinga) and Egbert Mans. Nick attended Brock University where he completed a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Physical Education, and Bachelor of Education in 1984. Nick met the love of his life, Wendy VanderGaag, in high school and they married in 1983. They soon moved west and settled in Cloverdale, BC where Nick began his teaching career at Credo Christian High School in Langley. Nick’s lifelong passion for learning had him returning to the classroom in his forties to attend Trinity Western University where he obtained his Masters in Leadership in 2010. Nick taught at Credo for nearly 35 years, cherishing his students and colleagues and always giving his best effort for them. Nick taught until his cancer diagnosis forced an early retirement in 2019.

In his spare time Nick’s priority was always spending time with his family and he travelled with Wendy and their kids as much as he could. He loved running, puzzling, coaching volleyball, hiking, e-biking and being in nature. Nick loved to read and had a penchant for brain puzzles and fidget toys. Nick enjoyed playing klaverjassen with friends and family. His role as an elder at Pathway Church brought him meaning and his happy place was worshipping with the congregation on Sundays. His favourite role was that of ‘Opa’ and he delighted in times spent with his grandkids; always silly and playful, babysitting as much as he could, cheering them on in their sports and playing card and dice games with them. Nick’s faith in his heavenly Father carried and comforted him through many difficult unknowns in the last years of his life.

Nick will be dearly missed by his wife of 43 years, Wendy, and his children Bruce (Lydia) Mans, Beth (Mark) Freeman, Michelle (Eric) Atsma, Hannah (Shawn) Broddy, and Kristina (David) Kobes and his 14 grandchildren who were his pride and joy. Nick is also survived by his loving parents, Tina and Bert Mans, and his siblings Al, Wendy, Joyce, and Jenice.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, Sept 22 at 6:30 PM at Trinity Christian Reformed Church located at 3215 Trethewey St, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4C1

Romans 8: 28-30

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”

In lieu of flowers, Nick’s family would welcome donations to the BC Cancer Foundation.