December 11, 1923 - April 7, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Simke Hendrik (Sandy) Vriesinga. He passed away on April 7th at the age of 96 years at Gateby Care Facility in Vernon, BC.
Sandy was born on December 11th, 1923 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He is predeceased by his parents, brother (Jan), two sisters (Dini & Gerda), and his first wife (Johanna, 1997).
He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 18 years, Wilhelmina (Willie) Porter, his sons Richard (Colleen) of Penticton, Gordon (Tracey), his only grandson Kyle of Vernon and his son Thomas (Susan) of Surrey.
Also, his stepchildren John Porter (Eileen Scholten) of Abbotsford, Tony Porter (Heidi Lussi) of Vernon and Trudy (Patrick) Ramsey of Vernon, as well as many relatives in the Netherlands.
His lifelong work was in aviation starting as a young man in the Netherlands, continuing when he moved to Canada in 1953, and to his retirement in 1988. He worked for Fokker Aircraft, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Canadian Pacific Airlines, Okanagan Helicopters, Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada.
Sandy loved to travel, he and Johanna went to Europe several times, Australia and Hawaii. Sandy and Willie traveled across Canada and the United States by train and plane with several trips to Europe and many cruises.
He enjoyed afternoon drives, camping, cards, classical music and his favourite TV shows. A big thank you to Dr. Barnard and caregivers at Gateby Care Facility.
A celebration of Sandy's life will be held at a later date.
Rust in Vrede Schat
Arrangements have been entrusted with Dignity Memorial, www.dignitymemorial.com
Dignity Memorial