BASTIAAN ARIES VAN DER HORDEN
October 21, 1922 – August 17, 2019
Bastiaan van der Horden (96) passed away quietly at the Halifax Infirmary, on Aug 17, 2019 as a result of sudden stroke earlier in the week.
Born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Bastiaan immigrated to Canada in 1954 seeking a better life for his family. His entry to Canada was through Pier 21, NS. The family travelled by train to Ottawa where they settled for 50 years before moving to Penticton, BC in 2004 and then to Halifax, NS in June of 2013.
Bastiaan had a deep and lasting commitment to his wife, Paulina. They were married for 72 years and he always treasured having her by his side. Bas was employed for 30 years with the Ottawa School Board. He worked hard to provide for his family.
Bastiaan was the one who captured family gathering down through the years with his camera and/or video always within reach. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were deeply loved. He enjoyed every visit and loved to keep up to date through shared pictures on Facebook.
Bastiaan was a soldier within The Salvation Army and thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity to participate with the brass band. Even into his 90’s, he wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to participate with the brass ensemble at Northwood Manor. In May of 2019 (at the age of 96) he thought it was time for him to purchase his own brass horn. He had 2 ½ months of great enjoyment playing his hit list, all by memory.
But Bastiaan probably enjoyed singing even more than banding. He participated for many years in the Male Choir in Ottawa and the songsters (choir) at The Salvation Army. He was an accomplished tenor soloist often being featured in concerts or at church or other social functions. This passion continued to the end taking every opportunity to sing the Gospel songs he loved at Arborstone Enhanced Care and Parkland Enhance Care.
In these later years, Bastiaan also treasured his connection with the Sackville Community Band in which his son, Peter, played. He would attend as many rehearsals as possible to simply sit in and listen while enjoying the fellowship of the group. In recognition of Bastiaan’s interest and support, the Band marked his 95th birthday by making him an honorary member.
Bastiaan was predeceased by: his father, Hendrikus van der Horden; his step-father Gilbert Verhey; his mother, Gerritje Den Hollander Verhey; siblings; Gilbert Verhey, William (Bill) van der Horden, Connie van der Horden; his beloved wife, Paulina, his great grandson, Joshua and great grand daughter baby Lilly Petrie.
Bastiaan is survived by: children: Peter (Diane) Halifax,; Aline (Reg) Petrie, Penticton; Paul (Margie), Bath, ON; 8 grandchildren: ( Doug (Sheila), Harrowsmith, ON; Cheryl, Victoria; Debbie (Sean) Wong, Ottawa; Tara (Brandon) Belanger, Oxford Station, ON; Logan (Angela) Petrie, Cawston, BC; Peggy Stanley, Edmonton, AB; Jamie (Kelsey) Stanley, Smiths Falls, ON; Paul Stanley (Angie Reeves), Brighton, ON ; and 11 great grandchildren. Bas is also survived by the following siblings; Hank van der Horden (Ottawa); Kaatje Materman (Ottawa); John (Donna) Verhey (Ottawa); Albert (Deanna) Verhey (Ottawa); Ralph (Barb) Verhey (Ottawa); Gerri den Hollander (Halifax) and numerous nieces and nephews.
The many family and friends who were influenced by his life will treasure the memories and cherish the time they had together. The song may be over but the melody will live on.
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