Dear Sandy,

I vividly remember when I first met you at the Roaring Fork Kennel Club show in Aspen.  Van brought smoked salmon from BC and you with him.  I can still see the love in his eyes that he had for you.  He was such a dear man.  I had shown OES to him a number of times previously and was so pleased to have him (and you) come to our show.  Hopefully, you have many wonderful memories of your time together.  He will be greatly missed by the entire dog show community of both the US and Canada.  You have my deepest sympathy.

Dear Sandy and Family,

It was with a great sense of loss when I heard Van's death. Please accept my and my family's deepest condolence for your loss. No words can express our feelings and I can feel your hearts. I would like you to know that you have our greatest sympathy, and we are truely saddened. 

Van had lived a meaningful life and I'm comforted that two of you had lived a happy and wonderful 16 years together. I will miss Van greatly for his calm and genuine smile. 

May God give him peace and provide you strength! You are in my prayers...

Your friend,

To the Van De Kinder family.  Our sincere condolence for  your loss of Van.  We were good friends and business associates in the RCMP Van Sub/Div GIS. He will be missed by all who knew him. Jack (SCU)

While we cannot be with you on the 19th, our thoughts and prayers will be.  We will truly miss this marvellous man who has so greatly influenced our lives.  Sandy, you have been blessed to be part of his life and we know he felt the same way about you - love you

Thom and David

Sandy please take comfort in knowing that you were blessed to have some memorable years with a wonderful man. We were looking forward to our annual New years visit. It was a great shock to hear that he had passed away. We loved Van's sense of humour and the twinkle in his eye when he related a story. Jim always remembers the wonderful time he had when he crewed for Captain Van in the IYC yacht races. Van may have been soft spoken but he had a very competitive streak when it came to racing.
Hugs, Carmen & Jim

I'm sorry to hear of Van's passing I will always remember the sailing trips. My condolences

I was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of one of my favorite judges in conformation and obedience.  He was always so kind and patient with both dogs and handlers... whenever I could, I made sure to enter the classes with my Cocker Spaniels when he was judging.  Win or lose, I always felt that my dog had received a respectful and knowledgeable comparison to the standard and the competitors! It's been years since I have been in the show ring, and it is indeed sad to see so many great ones of the dog fancy pass on to further adventures.  My sincere condolences to his wife and family....we have all lost a special person!

Hi Sandy,

Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Dave and I have attended many of Van's training classes with our beloved German Shepherds. He was always so patient with us as we worked through our issues (too many to describe). We learned so much from him and you. No doubt we're better dog owners and trainers because of it. He'll be missed and we hope when you're ready you'll return to training and share your amazing knowledge with all of us too.

Love,
Shannon and Dave Thomas

We wish to extend our deepest condolences to you, Sandy and your family. I had the opportunity to exhibit my dogs under Judge van de Kinder on many occasions and always felt that I was in the presence of a true dog person; he was a man with an eye, the knowledge and the care. He awarded me and my boy a Best in Show - a day I will never forget. And I will never forget his words to me that day, delivered with a quiet wisdom that I will always admire. Your family has lost a loved one; the dog world has lost a man of great influence. He will be missed.

Merlin was on our first judging panel here in Dryden, Ontario almost 30 years ago.  We asked him back several times and were always impressed with his judging in both conformation & obedience.  He was a gentleman in every way,  He shall be missed by all of us who knew him and shared the common bond
and love of dogs.  Maureen Andersen

Dear Sandy, I have been holding back on sending a message because I am still having a hard time wrapping my head around Van's sudden passing. Although I have only known Van for a short six years,he immediately made me feel as though we were lifelong friends.He was like an older brother and now his absence will leave an emptiness not easily repaired. You and Van welcomed me to your home as one of the family and frequently had me join you for family dinners and gatherings.
Being a frequent attendee at morning coffee, his absence will be sorely missed.  He was kind, generous and always wanting to help. I will have only special memories of the short time I was privileged to have known him. My sincere condolences to you Sandy and to your family, which includes the "girls".

Dear Sandy
I am so sorry to hear that Van is gone.
When I first met him, he was a dashing young RCMP officer, living in the Okanagan with a beautiful young wife, Diana.  Our shared interest was dogs, showing, training, and judging.
Van has since led a long, full, and fruitful life, a friend to so many.  And you added much for him.
I know he will be sorely missed by all of us in the dog world.
Sincerely
Marion Postgate

Dear Mrs Van De Kinder

Your husband was such a fair man with a kind and quiet manner.  Those of us in the dog world will miss his presence.

Karen Douglass, Ponoka, Alberta

Van always had a new joke for me.While judging my pointer in the show ring, he always made me laugh with his most recent joke. We competed against each other in obedience for many years, Van with his MinPin and me with my Pointer. Two breeds not know for high scores. I will miss his constant smile and his greeting every time we met. You will be missed Van
Jill Koch, Nowwithem Pointers

I had the honour of working for Van those many years ago in Burnaby, BC He was a excellent supervisor and very good to all of his subordinates. He was always there to whisper words of good counsel in our ears and help us both with our duties and assist in anyway he could. Like many former members of the RCMP, upon retirement. We go our separate ways and rarely se each other again. I was sorry to hear of his passing, To me he was a good man, more especially a good friend.

My deepest Sympathy to Mrs. Van der Kinder and  the family . Merlin was a very kind gentleman - and I always enjoyed showing to him - both in obedience and conformation .
The Dog show world has lost a very special member of the canine Family .
He will be missed .
Respectfully ,
Norma Jeanne Pohl ,

My sincere condolences Sandy, we spoke many times and he truly was a gentle soul.

I will surley miss Van He judged many of my German Shepherd dogs in both the breed ring and the obedience ring.
 I will miss him he was always so pleasent to be around a true gentelman. 
The sport of dogs has lost a true friend.
Emilie C. Wodruff

sandy,my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.van was a great man and im sure he will be missed by many loved ones.

Dear Sandy, Buckshot and Tess,

Van came to New Zealand as a stranger and, after his short stay with us, left as a treasured friend.  We were delighted when Van brought you back to stay with us on his next assignment and didn't we have a great time!  Then followed trips up to Canada, driving to Calgary, a cruise to Alaska, and swimming in a freezing pool in Hawaii while it rained, so many wonderful, wonderful memories, and still Van was keen to plan more.  What a huge hole in our lives and yours!  Coming to give you all the support we can, and hugs and kisses for the girls.  See you on Sunday.  
Lots of love,
Ray and Sue Wakelin, Auckland, New Zealand

Dear Sandy,our thoughts are with you on your loss of Van .Our sailing days,meals and doggie days together will be in our memories forever. We will always be greatfull to Van for bringing Truman to us, Van was a true friend and we'll miss him greatly...Dick and June MacEachern

Dear Sandy and Family - We are so very sorry to hear of Van's passing.  We will always remember him - his thoughtfulness, giving ways and helping whenever asked. We were so looking forward to seeing him when we arrive back to Surrey.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to you.  Sandy, we are so glad you and Van had such a wonderful life together.  Nels and Norma Beairsto, Cranbrook, B.C.

Dear Sandy
Our dog world has lost a wonderful gentleman.
I always enjoyed showing a good dog to Van, more importantly he always gave every exhibitor equal consideration, he was a kind and gentle person.
You could always show an unseasoned dog or a puppy to him with no concern.
It was always a pleasant experience for dog and exhibitor.
Showing to Van was always a pleasure...
My sincere condolences to you and your family, We all will most certainly miss him in our Sport.

Dear Sandy
I was so sad to hear of Merlin's passing, the loss of a truly honorable man,our dog world has lost a presence not easily replaced. He influenced my life in a great many ways,  my favorite memories of him are those away from dog shows he was always so much fun,especially times spent 
sailing.
He had a good run,a little longer would have been great. I will miss him.
Brian Clegg

I met Van in 1975 and we became instant friends. He taught me sailing and also taught my daughter Brenda sailing age 9, she progressed to tall ships and learned navigation 2 weeks on the Robertson II navigating Vancouver Island, Currentley  with B.C. Ferries as a helmsperson. Thanks Van. I was with him when Starduster arrived in Van. He like a child at Xmas. We cleaned her up and she was put in the water .The next week and many times we sailed out of English Bay over to Sylva Bay and back, nice day trip , except one Saturday we set out in March and saw a squall at Pt. Grey and Van said we would not put up the Gib sail and at Pt. Grey decided to turn around as the winds were getting strong,We reefed the main sail and got back at 6.5 naughts,a fast trip.                                            DOGS   We got a family dog some years later and Van took 5 mins .to teach my son dog tricks . Our dog was the best dog in the neighbourhood and the kids enjoyed showing dog tricks to their friends.Thanks Van. I Later went to a dog show with Van. to Spokan Wash.He was judging. My first dog show. Thanks Van.now I'm a dog show fan.At RCMP headquarters we never talked about dogs as Van. did not want to get seconded to the K-9 Squad. It was his hobby and he was the best.  You were a big influence on me and my family. We will miss you.

Van was instrumental in training:  Jazz, Jessie, Mac, Katie, Nova, Peg, Rusty, Ella, and numerous Jessie pups.  I don't know what to say.

I showed dogs to this man for about 30+ years, give or take.  In obedience AND conformation.  I LOVED showing to him and always gave him an entry when he turned up in my neck of the woods.  May he rest in peace.

Sandy , Our hearts go out to you & family on your loss of wonderful Man ,
Know Van for many years was pleasure,
As judge he always made time for everyone  I love to heard he Sailing story's
He will truly be Missed 

David Markus & Rob Lindey

I enjoyed sharing Dobe stories with Van when we shared a judging panel. I found him knowledgeable and interesting as he always flavoured his opinions with a touch of humour. I will miss him.

Fred Heal
Ottawa

Dear Mrs. Van De Kinder and Family,

I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Van De Kinder's passing.  I enjoyed showing my dogs under him, and always appreciated his kind way with the dogs (and the owners!),  his thoroughness, and his ability to convey that each and every dog was given due consideration.  Win or lose, I always felt we were fairly judged.  He was always such a gentleman.

On several occasions I had the privilege of acting as his ring steward in obedience.  Such fun, and each time was an educational experience.

The dog fancy has lost one of its best.

My sincere condolences to family and friends - rest in peace, Van.

Dear Sandy
Merlin was a true mentor to me and a dear friend, whom I first met at obedience classes in Surrey 35 years ago. So highly respected for his honesty, gentle demeanor and tremendous sense of sportsmanship, he will be sorely missed.
Wishing I could be there at the celebration of his life, I send my heartfelt sympathies to you and your family
Mary White
Hudson, Ohio

Dear Sandy and Family
Van was my most favorite judge for so many years as a handler and then now judging myself I enjoyed being on a panel with him last summer. He was a wonderful dog man and a gentle soul. He will be greatly missed by us all.

Dear Sandy, what a sad time for you.  You might not know, but Les passed away last April.  It's hard to believe that we/I have been back in Winnipeg 9 years; however, I will always remember Van and you, Sandy.  I'm sorry we're so far away, otherwise I'd be at the church to support you.  Joyce Harison-Smith (now Joyce Laird) - 301, 1660 Pembina Highway, Winnipeg, R3T 2G2.

We have many fond memories of sailing with Van on IYC outings. 
We are currently sailing in Mexico and want to send our thoughts.
Bill and Janet Jackson  
sv Optical Illusion

Dear Sandy, our memories of Van are of a dear friend, a kind and gentle man.  We will miss him, a good dog man, he will be remembered always!!
Butch and Cec

To Sandy and Van's Family,
I first met Van at obedience classes held by Coastal Canine Academy in Surrey in 1975.  I later took classes with him at Fernridge Hall in Langley.  As an obedience instructor and judge, fellow conformation judge and friend, Van shared his knowledge and wisdom with his quiet and gentle manner.  I will miss seeing him at the shows and I am so glad he was a part of my life in dogs.  I am glad to have some photos of wins under Van, as they bring back fond memories.  

In deepest sympathy,
Ainslie Mills, Oriana Golden Retrievers

You will be greatly missed in the dog show world and dearly missed by your loved ones. May you rest in peace. My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. God bless.

Dear Mrs Van De Kinder,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences regarding the passing of your husband Mr. Van De Kinder, such a kind and humble person. Mr. Van De Kinder will always be remembered for his fairness, warm sense of humor and quiet manner. I am truly sorry for your loss; and for the dog show community, where his quiet dignity and positive presence will truly be missed.

We were so sorry to hear of Van's passing.  He was a kind and gentle man, and did a lot for the world of dogs.  He will be missed

I met "Van" back in 1988 when he was giving obedience classes in Aldergrove. Hondo and I took several sessions over a couple of years with Van - due to my ineptness and Hondo's joie de vie, we never completed a full session.

Many years passed before I saw Van again. When the judging schedule came out in early 2003 for the Grande Prairie shows and I saw that Van was judging, it was all the motivation I needed to jump into high gear to get Lobo ready to trial.

One of my great joys was being able to trial Lobo under Van at the Grande Prairie trials in June 2003. And as the fates would have it, it was under Van that Lobo earned his 3rd novice leg and his CD title. I will never forget how grateful I was to earn that title under the person who had introduced me to obedience with another fawn boy all those years ago.

A good, gracious man. He will be missed.

Dear Sandy and family;
    While we only knew Van for the past 6 years, he was a very dear friend. He was always willing to help us , when we asked.  As a member of our morning coffee group, we will miss his smiling face at 9.15 each morning. We will also miss the many stories he had to tell of those days that he served the Province as a member of the R C M P , stationed in the interior of  BC. Friday night  dinners will also be different from now on, but we hope you will join us from time to time.   With our most sincere sympathy.

Dear Sandy and family:

It was against my better judgement to even set foot upon a 'monomaran'; but when Van asked me to take charge of the foredeck of Starduster on IYC races, I jumped at the chance to be with such a wonderful, affable skipper...and we had a great many laughs, and a few 'wins' along the way.

We went on to organize and conduct sailing lessons; using both Starduster, and our Airborne, a cat, and it was a fun and interesting experience for us, and for the students.

It always amazed me that a man of justice, who had been involved in such grizzly investigations and incidents, was such an outwardly peaceful man; and I know he set a good example for so many of his fellow officers of how to deal with tough life.

I'm in Arizona and so will miss seeing you; but I send my best wishes to all family and friends as you celebrate Van's life.  It was a good one; and I'll remember him; always.

Darch Oborne, Merritt BC
darchoborne@hotmail.com

To Sandy and Van's family:
I have known Van in the dog show ring over the years where I witnessed him being gentle to the novices, while instructive, as well as calling the professionals to task as needed, all the while exhibiting fairness in his judging of the exhibit.  His softness of manner led us to seek him out in the ring, especially as novices in Obedience, a very scary place to be, but he made it memorable for all the positive reasons.

Dear Sandy and Family,
 
 I just received the email from Bob Harris a member of the I.Y.C. Yacht Club and was supprised to find out you and Van are also members. My husband and I have been members for a few years now and enjoy the club very much. 
Sandy the connection we have is that our P.W.D Chrissy and I attended a dog obedience session last spring in South Surrey with you Van and your wonderful dogs. I remember Van sitting in the corner watching every wrong move we (humans) made and only leaving his chair if one of our dogs? needed his immediate expertice.  Sandy I hope that you will continue teaching  the classes when you feel ready.
Van was a true master and he will be greatly missed by many.

Please except my condolences

Beverly Mason

Hello Sandy, My sincere thoughts are for you and your families at this time.  Van was a gentle man with good hands on the dogs.  He was and will remain well respected.  It was wonderful to visit with him during his judging assignment this past October in Cloverdale.  He will be truly missed in the dog world and by all his friends and colleagues from all walks of life.  The dog world has lost a true grand champion.

Dear Sandy, you don't know me, but I always admired and enjoyed Merlin's gentle ways and kindness while he judged my and other's dogs.  Those years were wonderful years, and I always made sure to try to enter my dogs under him, knowing that win or lose, he would be fair , gentle, and honest.  I am truly sorry to know he has passed over.  I shall try to make the memorial service but please know I care deeply and offer you my sincerest condolences.  Sheila Hall, " Gavotte" Poodles, Chins and Toy Manchesters.

What a heartfelt loss we have all suffered as Van was one in a million.  He made each person he met feel so special and would go out of his way to help everyone with anything.  A true gentleman with a soft sweet soul and a heart of gold.  Always a smile and a hug.  Sandy I know you are hurting, and I am going to tell you what someone told me when I lost my husband.  Think of something Van did that always made you laugh, and each time that wave of tears comes over you think of that funny thing and it will make you smile.
I was so happy you came into his life, you made him so happy.
Bless you and all the family.
A big hug and much love,
Marilyn Mayfield
Camarillo, California

Such a warm man with always a twinkle in his eye... Van made everyone feel comfortable. Sandy... absolutely anything we can do for you, please let us know, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

The dog community has lost a wonderful man. Van was very respected wherever he went - a true friend.
Sandy, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sandy and family,

I first met Van when he began teaching dog obedience classes for the South Surrey Rec Centre.  That was so many years ago!  We would always have a nice little chat when he came in to update his class lists and he would always tell me about the upcoming dog shows that he would be judging, which took him all over the world, and the holiday that him and Sandy would be taking after.  They went to some very interesting places and I know from speaking to Van that he always had a wonderful time.

My son took both of his dogs to Van's classes and whenever Van would come in to the Rec Centre, he would always ask about them.  He was a very gentle and kind man and I am going to miss him very much.

Ann Deighton
SS Rec Centre

My earliest memory of Van was through the dog show world, where he judged many of my own dogs. Later on I knew him personally as a friend of my late husband, Dr. John Gilray. John and I shared many warm and cozy evenings with Van and Sandy, getting together for dinner at their house or ours. The talk was often about Dobermans and Minpins, and about Manchester Terriers, which John and I owned. It was a pleasure to have known Van, for he was a true gentleman in the finest sense of the word.  The dog world shall miss him, I am sure, and so will I.     Connie Sanders

When I think of Van I remember a person who after we first met, grew ever so quickly to be my friend and my brother. The depth of the smile from his eyes and the simple but strong sense of goodness of his soul, remain the hallmark of a man I came to admire, respect and love. I, like many others, will feel the void Van's passing has created for a long time to come....

Richard G. Radke
Missiauga, Ontario

Dear Sandy and Family,

On behalf of your co-workers and friends at Langley Lodge, please accept our heartfelt condolences.

It was a pleasure to know Van - thank you for sharing him with us as a thoughtful and enthusiastic volunteer for special events. We will remember him for his generosity, smile and the cheerful twinkle in his eyes!

Our hearts are with you,

Hi Sandy,
I remember Van sitting quietly in our Toastmasters group when he brought your dogs and you did your speech. He was a man that people really noticed even though he didn't try to get people's attention. You said he was not a morning man and yet there he was doing this for you. What a loving man to do a special thing for you by getting up early and also bring your dogs just so he could support you!
Hugggs and love
Nancy

A dear and wonderfull friend for the last 20 years. Distance was never an issue.  You shall remain in our hearts. Our sincere condolences to Sandy and family.
Ron & Dianne Besoff his Aussie Mates

Dear Van, so highly respected by the Australian Dog World, and by my family in particular. May your spirit join Lloyd's in sailing the heavenly seas, sipping "Bundy Rum", discussing your mutual love of Dobermann's and the police forces. Condolences to Sandy, family and your many friends. A true gentleman.

Dear Sandy, My thoughts are with you on the loss of your beloved husband.  He was a good friend, always kind and thoughtful.  He will be missed. Love Marilyn

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Merlin "Van" Julius Van de Kinder

1 juin 1931 – 1 janvier 2011

Victory Memorial Park & Funeral Centre

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