Obituary of Van Wiebe

It is with deep sadness that our family announces the passing of Harold W. Van Wiebe, better known as “Van”, on Saturday, January 17, 2004. He was admitted to hospital in October 2002 and transferred to the McKenzie Towne Care Centre in 2003. We are truly grateful for the kindness and the quality of care he received as a resident there. Van was born in Herbert, SK on July 30, 1921 to Abram B. and Agnes Wiebe. As many others, Van lived through the “Dirty 30’s” with his family, enduring many hardships. Following high school, he joined a dance band in Dauphin, MB. In 1941 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy. Van served overseas on the Prince Henry, and was discharged in 1945 at the end of the war. After their marriage in 1948, Van and Mae moved from Regina, SK to Lethbridge, AB where he began his broadcasting career with CJOC Radio. Later they moved to Calgary where Van joined CFCN as an announcer, and in 1955 the family returned to Regina where he was engaged by CKCK Television, an exciting new medium. In 1966, the family returned to Calgary where Van remained in the entertainment field, until his retirement. He was a gifted musician without any formal training, teaching himself to play the organ and piano in a style that was enjoyed by all. Those who knew Van are left with happy memories of his unique personality. He was one of a kind. His family always felt his special love for them. We truly miss him. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of fifty-five years, Mae and his children, Peter (Brenda) of Irricana, AB and Catherine Rivkah Morgan-Halsall (Reg) of England. He also leaves to mourn seven grandchildren, Laura-Jane, Amber-Lynn, Amy, Sarah, Eric, Willow, and Jacob; as well as two stepgrandchildren, Amber-Lynn and Brittany; three great-grandchildren; a brother Victor of Kamloops, BC; a sister-in-law Ethel Wiebe of Weyburn, SK; as well as several nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by two brothers, Alfred and Beno and a sister Violet. A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) today, January 22, 2004 at 2:30 P.M. To forward expressions of sympathy go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In remembrance of Van, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Royal Canadian Legion, Centennial Branch #285, 9202 Horton Road S.W., Calgary, AB T2V 2X4. In living memory of H. Van Wiebe, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 256-9575.