HARRY JOSEPH VAN DER VEKEN (1913 - 2006)

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HARRY JOSEPH VAN DER VEKEN (1913 - 2006) Peacefully on Monday, May 29, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle passed away at Grace Hospital in his 93rd year, following a brief illness. Harry was the only son of the late Peter and Anna Van Der Veken. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife Mae (Cleghorn) of 65 years, his daughter Paige McLeod and her children Andrew and Lindsay (Jason Ateah), daughter and son-in-law Penny and Terry Berntt and their children Bronwyn Dobson (David), Megan (Jason Ward) and Brendan. He leaves his extended families, the Cleghorns, Ransons and Scheels. He will be dearly missed by John David and Valerie Lyon, the entire Lyon Clan and Sutton family. Harry was born in Winnipeg and raised in the west end of the city. He attended Principal Sparling School and graduated from Daniel McIntyre High School. He joined the Winnipeg Police Department in 1936. After serving in the R.C.A.F. during the Second World War, he returned to the Police Department. In 1973, after 37 years of distinguished service, Harry retired with the rank of Inspector. Harry was a Past President and active member of the Winnipeg Police Athletic Association and continued his association with the Police Pensioners. He was proud of his work and service to his city. Harry was a great sportsman. He was involved in his early years in hockey, track and field, speed skating and lacrosse. He was an avid curler and golfer, both of which he participated in well into his 80's. He was a member of the West Kildonan C.C., the Elmwood C.C. and then a member of the Senators at the Granite C.C. He participated in many Manitoba Curling Bonspiels and won many events. Harry was an excellent and enthusiastic golfer. He was a member of the Niakwa Country Club and PineRidge Golf Club. Harry took great pride in his family. He cherished his wife Mae and her extended family. He supported his daughters in their numerous activities of school sports, figure skating and Job's Daughters. He was equally as active with his grandchildren. Papa was their biggest fan and was always on the sidelines cheering them on. Papa encouraged and supported their education and taught them many important life lessons. He took a great deal of pleasure spending his summers with his family and lifelong friends at his summer home in Matlock, MB for 56 years. He spent tireless hours building and fixing it up for their enjoyment; it was his labour of love. Harry loved a good debate, and enjoyed anyone who was up for the challenge! Harry was an adherent member of Tabernacle Baptist Church to which his wife is an active member. He also participated and enjoyed the Young Men's Club of the Church. Special thanks to the Grace Hospital doctors and staff (especially the 5th floor unit, thank you Jayne and Karlie) for your care and compassion for Harry. A celebration of Harry's life will be held on Saturday, June 3 at 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 03, 2006