ANTONIUS (TOM) THEODORUS VAN RIJN passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Monday, April 26, 2021, at the age of 84 years.
Antonius was born in Haarlem, Holland, on May 17th, 1936.
His parents were Nicolaas Cornelis van Rijn and Eva Elisabeth de Koning. Eva died when he was a young boy and his father married again to Jacoba Maria Dubbeling, who, with Nick, brought the family to Canada in 1953. They settled in the Picture Butte area and started life anew in Alberta.
Tom met Nita Beane in the late 50's. They married, started a family of 4 children, and lived in Lethbridge. After they divorced he met and married Marjorie Theodore and they remained together until his passing. After his retirement from the City of Lethbridge transit service, Tom and Marjorie sold their farm and moved out to Creston, BC where their acreage was a great source of pride and welcomed many visitors from the family. A hard worker all of his life, he also knew how to enjoy life to the fullest.
He is survived by his loving wife Marjorie, and their children Ron (Teresa) Van Ryn, Kevin (Ilona) Theodore, Lucky (Patsy) Van Ryn, Cheryl (Don) Gilmore, Connie Smith, Debra (Stewart) Ackroyd, Sandra (Louis) Fazekas, Craig (Jo Anne) Theodore, along with 14 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
Survivors also include his sisters Barb and Clasina, and brothers John, Paul, Nick, Hank, Andy and Jack.
He was predeceased by his parents, his stepmother and stepfather, his brothers Nico, Corry, Piet, George, Rudy, Joe, and sisters Martha and Riet.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
No flowers by request, donations can be made to the Jack Ady Cancer Clinic in Tom's name please.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Jack Ady for their compassion and care.
Liz Krol & family, May 5, 2021
Randy Van Rijn, May 4, 2021
Randy Van Rijn, May 4, 2021
Randy Van Rijn, May 4, 2021
Randy Van Rijn, May 4, 2021
Randy Van Rijn, May 3, 2021
Randy Van Rijn, May 3, 2021
Randy Van Rijn, May 2, 2021
Randy Van Rijn, May 1, 2021
Karen Bader, May 1, 2021
Linda LaChance & family, April 30, 2021
Don & Marilyn McRae, April 30, 2021
Don & Marilyn McRae, April 30, 2021
Sharon wills, April 30, 2021