Reverend Jacob ""Jack"" Van Holst

Jack will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Jean; daughter, Joanne (Michael) Devaughn and grandchildren, Thomas, Tabitha, Trish; daughter, Jacqueline (Graham) Briggs and grandchildren, Miranda, Benjamin, Samuel and Alexander; sisters, Betty, Toni (Bill) and Francina; brothers, Bert (Jane), Art (Sally) and sister-in-law, Della. He also leaves behind many cherished friends.

Jack was born in Poeldijk, The Netherlands on July 26, 1935. The family immigrated to Canada in 1951. He was predeceased by his father, Leendert, mother, Maartje and brother Leo. Ordained in 1971, he served in the United Church until 1988.   Jack is the founding Pastor of Arbutus Grove Church, and leading the congregation there for the last 25 years.  He has also served as the Padre of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 69.

A Celebration of Llife will be held in Jack’s honour at 1:00 pm on Friday, March 28th at his beloved Arbutus Grove Church at 170 West Hirst Street in Parksville.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider honouring Jack’s memory with a donation to Arbutus Grove Church, 170 West Hirst Avenue, Parksville, BC  V9P 1M4 or the Canadian Cancer Society, Unite E, 777 Poplar Street, Nanaimo, BC  V9S 2H7.