Arie "Art" van de Vijsel

Art was predeceased by his parents Arie (Art) Willem Sr. and Elisabeth, and his sister, Francisca (Cisca).

Art is survived by his wife Christine, his son Michael Willem (Jody), and his daughter, Lyndsay Marie (Dylan), as well as his beloved grandsons Kyler, Cameron and Marcus. His extended family includes his niece Natalie, nephew Brian, and their children.

Art was born in Amsterdam in 1947. As an infant, he and his mother joined his father in Sumatra, Indonesia. Art and his sister spent their childhood on a rubber plantation, deep in the jungle. In 1957, the family immigrated to Canada and made their home in Winnipeg. Art attended school at Earl Grey Elementary and Kelvin High School and later found his calling as a chartered accountant. He was self-employed for almost 50 years, took great pride in his profession and was well-respected in the business community.

Art and Christine married in 1970 and raised their children in Charleswood. Summers were spent at Victoria Beach where Art found joy at the cottage with endless projects and chores. He loved to stay busy and could fix anything. Art was skilled at sailing and enjoyed being on the water with the wind at his back. Art and Chris also spent many memorable holidays in Mexico and Hawaii – Maui being Art’s favourite place.

Art was the epitome of a selfless man, giving everything he could to his family whom he loved so dearly. His children and grandchildren hold many special memories of time spent building model rockets, having family dinners, baking chocolate chip cookies and watching Bomber games.

The family would like to thank the staff on the 5th floor of the Grace Hospital, the staff of 3 West at Deer Lodge Centre and Art’s friend Marnie Anderson for their compassion and caring.

In keeping with Art’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Art’s name to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba.