Carl Remie Van Hove

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Carl Van Hove, husband, dad, uncle, and Opa on February 22nd, 80 years, at St Boniface Hospital.

Lovingly remembered by wife Marie, daughter Michelle Van Hove, son-in-law Edwin Schaan, and his special granddaughter Nicole Van Hove. He is mourned by nieces Kelly Hamilton, Tracy Squires, Cindy Damphousse, nephew Steven Squires, and brother-in-law Bill Squires. Carl also leaves many beloved family members in Belgium whom he playfully called ’the Belgian connection’.

He is pre-deceased by son Paul Van Hove, brother Remie Van Hove, sisters-in-law Leona Van Hove and Ann Squires, his father, mother, and parents-in-law.

Born in Chatham, ON into a family of tobacco farmers, Carl left school in grade 8 to begin his working life. He was destined to be successful because even at a young age he had the ability to make friends wherever he went.

In 1981 Carl and Marie moved their family to Winnipeg to start an agri-distribution company. Those who’ve worked with their spouse know that it’s not easy; they took on the challenge and made a team to be envied. Both in business and in life.

Involved in the community, Carl did a variety of activities such as fundraising for charities, singing in the church choir, Knights of Columbus, Scout leader, acting in community theatre, and he was the go-to Emcee for many events.

Most people who knew him were witness to Carl’s spontaneous singing. Without formal training he had a beautiful baritone voice that could fill a room, a restaurant, or a theatre. Over the years many friends, family, and by-standers were treated to his impromptu performances. Comfortable in the spotlight, the inevitable applause and adulation from his audiences brightened his day. Carl was still singing to the nurses in the hospital during his last days.

Achieving success with their company, Carl and Marie sold, and remained on as employees for a few years. Concluding his career as Vice-President of Ag with Van Waters & Rogers, Carl took a much-deserved early retirement to Arizona. Of course he couldn’t fully stop working, and became a trainer to people working in sales. In this role, he was in his element sharing his experience and wisdom with others. From Carl’s perspective making a sale was about relationship. That is the way he viewed most things in life; nurture the relationship and all else falls into place.

In retirement Marie and Carl spent many years living at Pelican Lake in summer, and Arizona in winter, making new friends, golfing, dancing, and enjoying life.

A few years ago, Carl fulfilled his desire to own a Grey Dort; a car manufactured in his hometown of Chatham. His 1918 Grey Dort was his passion project. He thoroughly enjoyed the attention it brought from people who wanted to talk about the Dort, and from drivers who honked and gave a thumbs up in appreciation for the antique car.

Always the romantic, following the devastating news of a terminal illness in July 2021, Carl was focused on living to see his and Marie’s 60th wedding anniversary. It’s not surprising that on February 10th he wished Marie happy anniversary with a kiss from his hospital bed.

The many well wishes and words of kindness expressed to Carl and the family during his illness were comforting and served as a reminder of the many people Carl had had an influence on throughout his life.

The family thanks the nurses and staff of Home Care and Palliative Care who cared for him in his final months. He so enjoyed getting to know them.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that those wishing to do so, donate instead to Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation or to Palliative Care Manitoba.

Funeral arrangements are with Thomson in the Park. A funeral mass will be held at St Gianna’s Catholic Church on Saturday, February 26th at 10 a.m. Proof of vaccination required to attend in person. Those not attending in person may contact the funeral home for a link to the live stream.