Frank Van den Dorpel (79) passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, at Cascade Lodge after a short battle with bowel cancer. He is survived by his wife Nella, son and daughter-in-law Bruce and Leslie; and daughter Teresa, as well as his brother Martin (Rene), sister Susan and sister in law Brenda.
He moved to Canada in 1952 with his family and spent the rest of his life living in Chilliwack. He was a true enthusiast of all things mechanical. A mechanic by trade at Wavan Auto Electric, he spent his career fixing engines, though he could fix anything. He loved vintage cars, motorcycles and John Deere tractors. He spent hours polishing his prized Triumph TR 6 to a high shine and enjoyed many years of car shows that garnered a few awards along the way. He was a huge fan of the Edelbrock company as evidenced by his love of their red branded stickers that he placed everywhere! It is our delight to still find them today in unexpected places. He was an avid photographer and camera collector. His later years were spent at the Atchelitz Thresherman's Association, where he could put to use his knowledge of tractors and display his replica Norton bike- always a crowd favourite.
Special thanks to the staff at Cascades for their incredible care of Frank and the compassion towards his family.
