It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Petrus (a.k.a. Peter, Piet, Pete) after a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. Peter passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

Peter will be forever missed by his loving wife, Maria, of 55 years. Also left to cherish his memory is his son Adrian and his wife Heather and granddaughter Michelle (all of Prince George). As well as his daughter Carolyn and her husband Wayne, grandson Liam and granddaughter Natalya (all of Ashcroft).

Peter is survived by his one remaining sibling, his sister, Leonie van den Heuvel of Valkenswaard, the Netherlands. As well as numerous family and friends in Canada, Europe, Australia and the United States.

Peter was predeceased by his parents Adrianus and Johanna van der Velden, beloved in-laws, Pietro and Marianna Rocca, his four brothers Martin, Max, Ted and Cory van der Velden, his sister-in-law Annie van der Velden, and his brother-in-law Guiseppe Greto.

Peter was born June 16, 1934 in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands. He immigrated on his own to Canada at the young age of 19 in April 1954. He met and married the love of his life, Maria, April 12, 1958 in Lytton. After living in various communities in the province Peter and Maria settled in Kamloops in 1981 where they remained.

Peter spent most of his working life with the Department of Highways in the Fraser Canyon and Fraser Valley areas, City of Prince George and Ministry of Forests in Victoria and then Kamloops, retiring in 1996. He was proud to work as a public servant and had many fond memories.

After retirement Peter cherished his good but simple life spending time with his grandchildren who were his pride and joy. He also thoroughly enjoyed travelling which included trips to Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and most recently a trip of a lifetime to Vietnam to bring home his youngest granddaughter.

Peter enjoyed many things in life including photography, cross stitching, gardening, and enjoying his time in his backyard oasis to which he was very proud. It was a most beautiful park like setting that was enjoyed by all those who came to visit whether gathering on the deck or underneath the lovely cherry trees.

Peter was also very involved with the Knights of Columbus where he had obtained his 4th degree. He thoroughly enjoyed his charitable work through the Knights and was very proud to be part of such an elite group.

For those who wish to pay their respects, there will be a viewing at Schoening Funeral Service on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. Prayers with be recited on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 635 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC.

The Reverend Father Peter Hoan Nguyen will celebrate the Funeral Mass at O.L.P.H. Parish on Thursday, July 4, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations may be made in memory of Peter, to the British Columbia Lung Association, 2675 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 2K2. 1-800-665-5864

Service arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Services, Kamloops, BC. 250-374-1454.

Messages to the family may be left at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

~~A perfect gentleman with a
beautiful heart and gentle spirit~~