Van Gene Huguet

Van passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 28, 2021. Van is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jill, who was the love of his life; his children, Ross (Yalei), Amber (Mark), Paula (Charles), Amy (Drew), Sarah (Geoff); and 10 grandchildren, Samantha, Shawn, Elijah, Jimmy, Mia, Elizabeth, Abbighomen, Max, Jordan and Ethan Van; and 2 great grandchildren, Ella and Dane.

Van was born at Vancouver General Hospital and spent most of his childhood in Vancouver, Ladner and South Surrey/White Rock. He is survived by his siblings, Donna, Janet, Jack and Bonny, as well as many nieces and nephews. Van was predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Helen Huguet.

Van started his long career in construction and development building homes with his father at age 12. He worked with a number of development companies around the lower mainland throughout his career. In 1993 he started his own company, KREL Management where he provided project management for numerous residential developments, such as British Pacific Properties and Residential Care Homes.

Van raised his children in North Delta and South Surrey where he worked hard, but also took time to enjoy his family. He cheered them on at many softball and soccer games, played games, planned “Dates with Dad” to ensure he had one-on-one time with his children and supported his kids through all of their life stages. Going on many family vacations was important to Van. From summers at a Cabin on Little Shuswap Lake, trips to Hawaii and Disneyland, wonderful family memories were made. He spent many hours on the golf course with his wife Jill and close friends. It wasn’t just about the game of golf but about the bonds he created with others. Van and Jill also enjoyed many trips to Hawaii, Maui, England, Scotland, Wales and Italy, as well as months spent in Palm Springs with close friends and family over the years.

Van connected and brought a smile to everyone he met. He left a legacy of love and a large family to carry on all that he taught them. His two favourite quotes, “It is what it is” and “The greatest thing you will ever learn is to Love and be Loved in return”, this will continue to help everyone both accept this great loss, and focus on the years of love he shared with us all. He will be dearly missed.

Due to COVID restrictions, his Celebration of Life will be in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dad’s name to Kin Village Care Home (www.kinvillage.org) who took such amazing care of Dad and our family in his final days, or a public long term care home that is near and dear to your heart.