It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, papa, brother, uncle and friend, John Van Beek of Barrhead, on Monday, October 26, 2020 in Edmonton, AB.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Kori; daughter Karee (James) Moffatt; son Keith (Lesia) Van Beek; precious grandchildren Cooper Moffatt, Myron & Daniel Van Beek; 4 brothers and 1 sister, Morris (Tina) Van Beek, Garry (Helene) Van Beek, Dennis (Ineke) Van Beek, Shirley (Dick) Apol and Andy (Joanne) Van Beek; sister-in-law Shirley Van Beek, as well as numerous other family and many friends. He is predeceased by his brother Case Van Beek and his parents Gradus and Woutera.
At John’s request, no service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in John’s name to Make A Wish Foundation Northern Alberta, 16007 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5V 1C7.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to Dr. Shawn Wasilenko and the staff of Unit 54 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. Your caring and support for dad will always be remembered.
Cremation has taken place at Capital City Cremation in Edmonton.
Gary de Jong says
Dear Kori, Karee and Keith and family
We are sorry for the loss of John, I feel truly blessed to have known him. I will miss his unmistakable laugh. I hope all the great memories of John get you through all the tough times.
Sincerely
Gary and Linda DeJong
Koen and Inge De Herdt says
We are so sad to hear this. John was a special character. He loved to tease – but we knew he loved those who he teased. Our bus driver for many trips, a neighbor who was always ready to help, a friend you knew would be there. He was certainly a part of our lives and he will be missed. Our sincere condolences to his family.
With love
Koen and Inge and kids
Hans and Ellen Mourits says
Dear family of John, we were very sad to hear about John’s passing. He was always such a great bus driver for us, whether for one of our company outing or church or hockey outing. He will be missed!
Keeping your family in our prayers during this difficult time.
Michael and Moya says
Words cannot say how we shall miss you John. He was and always will be a great friend and our memories are too numerous to be told
We shall miss you and will always love you to the moon and back
RIP buddy and we know you made the last visit to us to say goodbye
Michael and moya says
So so sorry for your loss
Lou Doris says
So sorry for your loss Kori and family. John always had a way of making you laugh , he always had a smile and was such a nice man. He will be missed.
Leona says
My condolences to Kori and family. John was a great man, I am very honoured to have known him and work with him at ATB.
Ross Pentney says
My sincere condolences to families of John’s. it was always great conversations on the road trips with the Cadets, or meeting at places in town. He will truly be missed.
Ardella says
Kori I am so sorry for your loss. John will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to all
Alysa Wolfram says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. John was a special guy who will be missed.
Brad Blocksidge says
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing, Kori and family. As you know, we made many a mile together and I always found him to be cheerful and a pleasure to be with. In fact, he was one of my favorite drivers (sorry, coach captains). And when I was no longer doing the tours, John would always stop and tease me when we ran into each other. He was one of the good guys.
Laura Morie says
So so sorry Kori and family… Big John will be so missed. We will always appreciate him and what he contributed to our youth. He was a delight… Grief is all the love with no place to go… sending love and light… as far as I know John always had AngelWings
Karen Morissette says
Lots of love and hugs to you Kori and your family John will be missed. From Dorothy and Max Lochansky and Karen and Ron Morissette.
Charlene Assenheimer says
Such a wonderful man. He will be missed.
Love (Hannah Banana) Hannah Hall says
I’m Sooooo upset now, I’m sorry for your loss! I loved John even thought he bugged me and called me names, there will always be a place in my heart for him!!! I’m sending hugs to you and your family!!! If I could I would come to you in person and give you a real one!!!! Take care you are loved!!!!
Love (Hannah Banana) Hannah Hall
Donna Johnson says
My deepest condolences to the whole family John will be deeply missed. He was the best bus driver for field trips when I was working at the school in Barrhead , he had the patience of a saint and a great sense of humour.
Wilbur & Marg Apoll says
Our deepest condolences Kori, Karee & Keith…you are in our thoughts & prayers 🙏 ❤
To John’s siblings & their families…blessings & prayers to you all.
Faith , Albert and tare baby says
Dear Karee and James And Copper Sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved father.
Janna van Linge says
To Kori and family and all my cousins my sincere sympathy on the passing of John. Sincerely Janna van Linge van Beek
Diane Magill - Executive Director, Blue Heron Support Services Association says
Our sincere condolences go out to John’s wife and family. John held a very special place in our hearts at Blue Heron Support Services. John volunteered many hours at Blue Heron helping us out almost every day taking care of many tasks. He became known as Uncle John around the office and at the New to You Store. We truly missed him during these past several months and were so saddened to hear of his passing. We will miss your smile, sense of humour and genuine care for the Association and the people we support. We thank you John for all of the wonderful contributions you made to the Association through your countless hours of volunteer work.
Sharon Ziemmer says
No words could ever make a difference, but my condolence to Kori and the family. You both were awesome bosses to have. The world will miss his jokes and huge smiles.😢
Michelle Jansen says
So sorry to hear the passing of John he was truly a wonderful person always had time to stop for a joke and laugh was always so quick witted and poke fun and always could take it the other way he will be sadly missed was a great man indeed was always a good time and good laughs with him every time glad to have known him so sad for the loss there should be more people like John in the world it was an honour to have known him
Elaine Toma says
Dear Kori and family: so shocked to read of John’s passing! My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. John was a great bus driver and always had a joke and smile. Will truly be missed.
Hope and Roger Manuel says
Roger and Hope Manuel would send our sympathy to John’s family, he really liked the kids as he worked as a janitor. We remember him driving us into Edmonton for various concerts, always caring, a real gentleman,. Our sincere condolences to his family.
Elizabeth Cartwright says
John was my bus drive for many years. He was an amazing man. So sorry for his families loss.
Dylan Yoshiko Wilson says
My condolences to the family.
This man was a good man, one of the best
A man I have and will always remember. I only wish the best for you onwards
I hope your spirit is at peace and your soul is free
Will miss you so so much ♥️
Mishaela says
I remember John volunteering his bus driving skills for our Air Cadet trips out of Barrhead! Always with a smile and a goofy joke for us kids. He is fondly remembered.
Markiana and Gerry Hryschuk says
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy… May the good Lord always keep you safe in the palm of His hand. Sending big hugs and lots of love- 💗💗💗Markiana and Gerry
Rena says
So sorry to hear this news . Condolences to you Keith and Lesia and Myron and Daniel . May your memories comfort you in this difficult time .
Fran Draper says
I am so very sorry to hear of the big guys passing. We used to torment each other mercilessly, like every time we saw each other. His sense of humour, his way of making everyone feel at ease. The bus trips to the city to take the Sandermans crew to Jubilations. Kory and Keith and Karee, please accept my condolences. Much love to you all
Fran Draper
Darcie Eamor says
My condolences to Kori and the family. John was a very special man that I got to know when I was teaching at BES. We had a running joke that he would find my coffee mug in various places around the school and then hold it ransom until he could sufficiently tease me about it. Spending late nights at the school was always made better with a good laugh and conversation with John and Kori. ❤️
Clayton Gunderson says
My sincere respect and condolences to the family. John was a awesome bus driver and great natured person. I have many good memories from in my school days. My thoughts are with you.
Jim Ferguson says
Very sorry to hear of John’s passing.
He was a big supporter of our District 5370 Youth Programs, and helped out our participants for years.
On behalf of Rotary District 5370, our deepest condolences.
District Governor Jim Ferguson
Mark & Karen Poitras says
Sincere condolence to his family and all his friends. It is with sadness that I learned John passing on Monday morning. I was fortunate to meet John in July 2011. It was a business meet but became a strong friendship quickly . John just had a way to capture your attention. Over the years up till last year, we became close friend and worked together from time to times in the charter bus. He made a lots friends out there. John was a great family man and host to all that travelled with him. There is a void in my heart. I will miss talking with him daily.
Rest in Peace Johnny. I will miss you.
Mark & Karen Poitras
Alta West Bus Charters Ltd.
Edmonton, AB
Jesse Kruper says
So sad to hear that Uncle John passed. Sending love to you Auntie, Karee, and Keith. Lots of memories with Uncle in St. Albert (watching wrestling with him), out on the farm watching meteor showers, and hearing his booming voice when calling us in for dinner. He let me use the ride’em mower one time. “Don’t put it in 5th gear though. You can’t handle it and you’ll miss spots!” Of course I didn’t listen. 5th gear was the fastest. And of course I missed spots. He was one of the only men I felt short around. (And that was a wonderful thing for me.) I’ll not forget Uncle John.
Michele Steele says
Our sincere condolences to you all. . We were so sad to hear of John’s passing. He was a great person. He drove the bus for our son’s hockey team for years. Everyone enjoyed his sense of humour. May he RIP.
Sean, Michele & Jesse Steele
Albert & Vivianne St. Louis says
John was the voice of the contract bus drivers to the school board for many years. Always wise, pleasant and fair, I enjoyed the opportunity to work along side him. John was a good guy, he always had a way of finding me when I went to Barrhead. Our sincere sympathy to his family. He will be missed. Rest in Peace my friend. Albert & Vivianne St. Louis
Charlotte says
Our deepest condolences to Johns family and friends. Known him for many years; had some good laughs. Worked with him and korey many years ago. May you all find comfort in his memories. Love the Levy’s
Colleen Feduniak says
So sorry to see this. Trent and I offer our deepest sympathies. John was a very interesting man to chat with. Big hugs to everyone.
Alvin and Judy Hove says
Our sincerely Sympathy on your loss Kori and Family. We were saddened to hear this news.
We will always remember the times he worked in the kitchen to help where ever needed. Also that BIG smile. We were so lucky to have known him.
May all your memories help you through the days ahead.
Sincerely Alvin and Judy Hove
Milt Columbine says
My condolences to John’s family.I learned this afternoon of his passing.I met John in Jasper on a school ski trip to Sun Peaks BC in 2013.We became fast friends and i quickly learned to think the world of my new taller than me buddy.We stayed in contact over the years and used to look forward to our accidental meetings on the road somewhere.I will miss our gab sessions on the phone where he could always put a smile back on my face no matter what was bothering me.John was born to be a bus driver and i feel honored to have worked along side of him.Take Care John and keep smiling.
Milt Columbine
Columbine Coach Lines Ltd.
Don Gabruch says
Sending love and prayers from our family to yours.
May he rest in peace…
The Gabruch’s.
Leigh Anne Willard says
Kori and family, it’s been a long time since I have seen you all, but I am deeply saddened for your loss. John was unforgettable. His kindness, humor, work ethic and caring for students was exceptional. He was a key member of the B.E.S. Team , much respected and loved. I have never forgotten him and I am sure hundreds of children will never forget him either. I keep you all in my mind and heart at this difficult time.
Heather Seitz says
Dear Kori and Family
I heard today of John’s passing. He was a wonderful man, always a smile and a truly meaningful hug whenever I saw him. I was given the priviledge of meeting John about 10 years ago when he did a charter for my dad’s company, and Kori last year. I looked forward every year to see John in October and get my hug from “Smiling John”. He will be truly missed. My condolences to all of John’s family.
Rest in Peace John
Heather Seitz AUPE
Allison says
Kori,
I cannot imagine the heart break you must be feeling. John and you made me feel very welcome my first years teaching at Barrhead. May his smile, sassy remarks and laughter always bring a smile as you rememeber the memories he left behind.
Love and strength being sent your way,
Allison Rayner
Brenda says
Dear Kori and family,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I remember our times spent at the Red Rooster always meeting for coffee on the day the Barrhead Leader came out. That started a friendship that would last many years. He was a special man. I will always remember that smile. My heart breaks for you all.
Bruce Lien says
To Cori and family my condolences on the loss of a great guy. I got to know John when i started driving for Dick and Shirley 10 years ago. We had many good times when i had a trip to Barrhead or when our paths crossed on the road, telling stories about our experiences.
Bruce Lien
Vikki Overacker says
Kori, Karee and Keith,
I’m so sorry to hear of such a big loss. I’ll miss hearing John’s unmistakable laugh and his true kind nature. I haven’t seen him for some time now but he will be missed by many.
Kori, I’m beyond shocked. Please get a hold of me whenever you feel up to it.
Keith, I left my number in a pm through messenger. Please pass it onto you mom..
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family ❤
Michelle Haltiner says
John’s passing is a loss for everyone who knew him. John was a man who cared for his community and all of us in it. John was the Steelers bus driver,the team gave him a hat saying that. He was proud of the fact that they never lost an away game he drove them to. He was my away game buddy as he always sat with me to watch the games. His knowledge of the towns we went to was invaluable for us. My sons time as a Steeler is over as are the bus rides but we have the memories. John’s name comes up and will continue to do so when we talk hockey.
Miss you John.
Steve & Rita Lyster says
Kori and family….I was shocked when I heard about “brother” John. What a great guy! Our love and prayers to you all.
Sue Connell Timmermans says
John was one of my favourite people in the busing industry. I call him a gentle giant, so caring and thoughtful. Kori and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. He will be so greatly missed, hugs to you.
Lori Stetina says
To Korri and Family
I work with your mom and Dad (Mr. Wonderful) as he call himself. He was an amazing guy and my heart is sadden with his passing. I am truly sorry for your lost.
Muriel says
Please accept my sincere condoleance for the loss of a giant (in all the terms of the word). I still remember when I first came to Barrhead Elementary and the days were long, the emotions raw and John would come to say hi and spend a few moments with me. It meant the world to me to find a friendly face in the deserted school to joke with me and lift my spirits. Thanks Johnny, peace be with you. Muriel.
Jon Kramer & The Westlock Thunderbirds says
Dear Kori and Family
We just read of John’s passing in the Westlock News this afternoon. Our sincere condolences to you and yours.
Jon Kramer says
We had many Fall football seasons of bus rides together with our crew of young men and women. I always sat up at the front of the bus near John, and we shared many wonderful conversations over the past decade. He was always kind, caring, and supportive of the coaches and players – and always got us safely out and back. We’ll be holding you all in our hearts as you grieve and miss John.
Ted Nakamura says
Deepest sincere condolence to John’s family and all his friends. It is with lots of sadness that I learned of John passing. I was fortunate to meet John and drive lots of trips and work with John on trips. It may have been through business that I had the chance to meet John, but we became friends quickly. John just had a way to capture everyone’s attention. We became friends and worked together from time to times in the charter bus business. I will miss doing the Jasper trips with John and the laughs we had in Jasper, well schools were on their ski trips. John was a great family man and was a great host to all that travelled with him. John will be greatly missed in the busing industry.
Ted Nakamura
Silent Rides Charter Company.