Gerrit van Boeschoten, 鈥淰an鈥� L/Col. (Retired)

Aug. 22, 1942 - Mar. 9, 2005

Gerrit van Boeschoten passed away peacefully in St. Joseph鈥檚 Hospital, Comox, B.C. on March

9th, 2005. Born in Hilversum, NL he emigrated to Canada in 1954. Van was predeceased by his parents Aart and Neltje van Boeschoten. He is survived by his wife Liz; his daughters: Cathy Thornhill (Mike) of Halifax, N.S. and Susan Lazarowich (David) of Courtenay; his grandchildren: Christopher, Kyle, Ali, Lauren and Olivia; his brothers: Peter (Pat) of Ottawa, ON, and Lucas (Pat) of Calgary, AB; his sister Alice Campbell (Joe) of Calgary, AB; as well as many nieces and nephews. Van spent 33 years in the Canadian Forces serving as a pilot, L/Col. (retired), CO of 415 Squadron in Greenwood, N.S. 1981 - 1983. He had many postings throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe. He was a member of the CVAC (Comox Valley Airport Commission), Volunteer driver CCS, member of the B.C. Air Cadet League and a member of Glacier Green Golf course. Golf was his passion although he also enjoyed woodworking - making toys for the grandchildren and gifts for friends and family, travelling, and coffee at the beach while watching eagles fly. Van was a devoted husband, doting dad and Opa. His primary focus was his family. A Funeral Service will take place at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 12th, 2005 at COMOX VALLEY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM, 1101 RYAN ROAD, COURTENAY with Capt. Rev. Neil Parker officiating. If so desired, donations in Van鈥檚 memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Comox Valley Unit, #102 - 1509 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2K6 with appreciation.