Pieter (Peter) van der Velde, passed away in his home suddenly on August 12, 2017 at the age of 72 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jean van der Velde (nee Bambrough). Along with his wife, he is survived by his children, Linda van der Velde, Gerard van der Velde, Pete van der Velde, Mona Wauters (Philip), and grandchildren, Brody, Emily and Sadie Wauters, Annalise and Josh van der Velde, as well as their mother, Julie van der Velde. He is also survived by his brother Gerard van der Velde and Thea van der Ploeg of the Netherlands, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Holland. He was pre-deceased by his father, Geert, mother Wilhemenia van der Velde, as well as his sister, Riek van der Ploeg, brothers-in-law, Libbe and Yelte van der Ploeg, and sister-in-law Marjan van der Velde.

Dad as he was known by his children, or Opa as he was known to his grandchildren, was born in Wieringerwerf, The Netherlands, on October 25, 1944. After serving in the Merchant Marines, he immigrated to Canada in 1962. He met and then married the love of his life, Jean, in Lethbridge, Alberta in 1966. They started their married life in Wrentham, Alberta where Dad was employed at Wrentham Farm Supplies, and they proceeded to have 4 beautiful and talented children. After a few years, Dad started working at McNally Farms, moving his family out to one of the farms' locations outside of Lethbridge, where they enjoyed the freedom and simple life of farming. In 1984, Dad moved the family into Coaldale, continuing to work for McNally Farms. In 1999, Dad took a position with Wilbur-Ellis as a foreman. He retired in 2011.

One of Dad's lifelong passions was soccer. At the age of 16, he was drafted onto one of the semi-professional soccer teams in Holland, but gave that up to join the Navy. He continued playing in Lethbridge for many years in local men's leagues, and instilled his passion of the beautiful game in his children and his grandchildren. It was common for the family to gather at their house in Coaldale during the World Cup to cheer on his beloved Dutch team, with everyone wearing the requisite orange T-shirts.

Dad was also an avid fisherman and the family enjoyed many fishing trips locally to Payne Lake, St Mary's Dam, Chin, and into BC, where the family often spent summer vacations. He taught all of his children to fish, and in his later years, all of his grandchildren, usually being the one to help each grandchild to catch their first fish. Dad and Mom also curled for many years in both Wrentham, and Lethbridge, often curling in leagues or bonspiels with their children.

In retirement, Dad and Mom spent the last several years quietly, tending a large vegetable garden each summer, enjoying visits from grandchildren, garage sailing, and devoting their days to the care of their many companion bunnies.

We will all miss him.

Family & friends are invited to meet with the family anytime between 12:00 P.M. and 2:00 P.M. on Monday, August 21st, 2017 at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 - Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge.

In lieu of flowers or donations, our family asks you to take a loved one fishing, watch a soccer game and hug those close to you. You never know when it could be the last time.