Wilhelm "Bill /Pim" Joseph Hibbeln

Passed away quietly and peacefully at home with family by his side at the age of 97. Loved and devoted husband of Rita for 64 years. Treasured father to Mary Lou (Peter), Frank (Vicki) and Anne (Tony) and adored Opa to Scott, Maaike, Liam, Lisa, Tessa and Keira. Remembered by many relatives in the Netherlands and in Toronto, Canada. Born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands he was the 6th of 11 children. He grew up playing a wide range of sports and cycling everywhere. His love of adventure and travel began here. In 1943, his university studies were interrupted due to the war when he was forced into a labour camp. After 7 months he made a daring escape back to Amsterdam, changed his identity and went into hiding. He was active in the underground resistance movement and later joined the Dutch Interior Army in preparation for the liberation. Working with the Red Cross he was involved in the repatriation of the Dutch from foreign camps. After the war, he completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Delft University. He worked for Monsanto in Wales, followed by 4 years with Aramco in Saudia Arabia before immigrating to Canada in 1955. After a short assignment in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, he and his beloved new bride “Miss Lutteken'' moved to Montreal where he joined Alcan's engineering department. What followed was an exciting career spanning 30 years beginning in Arvida, QC followed by interesting overseas assignments in Guyana, Jamaica, Spain and Ireland. He thrived on the challenges and the opportunities and loved the hands-on application of his skills and training. It also offered his family extraordinary experiences of exploration, culture and travel. Upon retirement in 1985, he was busier than ever discovering his new paradise in Vancouver BC. Walks along the Fraser River, the beaches and the UBC Endowment Lands with his wife Rita and dog Cleo. He was always volunteering his skills as an engineer, treasurer and as an organizer to various organizations including the Red Cross, the 411 Senior Center Society, the 411 Housing Society, the 1945 Foundation, the Western Art Circle and the Pacific Spirit Regional Park. At 72, he learned how to use a computer. He channelled his creative energies in repurposing everything and woodworking. He especially loved painting. But the highlight of his retirement was the family time with his children and especially his grandchildren. Visits almost always included a painting or woodworking lesson. The last years of his life were spent at Tapestry Arbutus Walk where he enjoyed walking the beautiful surrounding grounds and then settling in with a "borrel" and a book on history in the evening. The extraordinary TLC he received by the staff here is greatly appreciated. Thanks too, to his wonderful care aids. Dad was full of life, constantly looking for opportunities that would stimulate and challenge him. Thoughtful, generous and compassionate to not only his family but his community. And what a sense of humour he had. He was such a role model and an inspiration. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. RIP.