Cornelis Jacobus Johannes Krul

Tenacious and stubborn to the end, surrounded by the love of family and friends who said farewell with sadness and hearts full of memories, on the evening of June 2nd 2019, Cornelis (Kees) Krul packed his bags, folded his tent and embarked on his last adventure to parts unknown.

Among those saying good-bye are his wife of 40 years, Carol Baird-Krul, his daughters Saskia and Jane, his step-daughter Janet, his two grandsons Liam and John, his sons-in-law Gary and Cameron, his cousin Geer and family, as well as, extended family in Alberta, the Netherlands, and the UK.

Having lived in and travelled to many different parts of the world throughout his life, when Kees moved to Gabriola, 18 years ago, he found his little piece of paradise. Kees loved many things travelling, sailing, reading, fishing and swimming to name just a few. His friends and family will remember him for, his stories (oh, those stories!), his teasing, his laughter and his kind and gentle heart.

While Kees’s life’s journey, over the last few years was difficult, he was supported along the way by his stalwart swimming buddies ‘the Dunkin’ Ducks’ (Erik, Peter and Michael) and their wives, his special ‘sister’ and husband, Ann and Henk, as well as, other wonderful friends, too numerous to mention.

Aside from family and friends, there were many other people who provided support and care to Kees during his final, difficult odyssey……

• The absolutely outstanding and just plain incredible, Dr. Jessica Otte

• The kind hard working staff on Floor 5, the warm and considerate GEM team, Vicki and Julia, the ever-patient Social Worker on Floor 5, France, all the Hospice volunteers and the amazing, caring nursing staff in the Palliative Care Unit at NRGH

• The wonderful, understanding supportive staff and doctors at the Gabriola Family Practice –

Dr. Kilvert, Doctor McKenzie, Jessica and Caroline.

• Sandy Parker, our case manager who helped guide us safely through this difficult, emotional process.

• The Gabriola Ambulance Service whose professionalism, patience and kindness were outstanding.

• Dan Urban – whose calm presence helped Kees stay happily in his home.

• Susan Purser – whose cookies and care were much appreciated.

• Alanna (Isla Bonita) and Diane (White Raven Hair Studio), whose foot and hair care made him more comfortable….and good looking too!

• Jeff Warr and George O’Neil (crew members on the SS Quinsam) whose kindness and help when Kees fell or need helping walking off the ferry, early in his illness, helped to preserve his dignity and

self-respect.

• The Respite and Recreation staff at the Kiwanis Lodge, who made his two months stay in December and January an extremely happy one.

• AND last, but by no means least, Liam Silver, whose invaluable, unstinting help made it possible for his Opa to stay in his own home for so long.

A private celebration will be held. If desired, donations can be made to either the Nanaimo Ladysmith Schools Foundation or the NRGH Foundation.

Kees, was a good husband, a good father, a good friend and a good man.

He will be missed.