Mr. Victor Lee Van Enk

Mr. Victor Lee Van Enk was born on November 29, 1950, in Valley City, North Dakota and passed at the age of 74 on June 3rd, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta. Most knew Victor simply as ‘Vic’ or ‘Mr. V’. Victor was a rare and special man who left an indelible impression on everyone he met. He was gifted with a gregarious personality that drew people to him, especially children. Vic was a dedicated public-school teacher who taught most of his career (37 years) at I.F. Cox Elementary School in Redcliff, Alberta. Prior to moving to Redcliff with his wife, Barbara, Vic and Barb were teachers in North Dakota. Vic was raised on a farm near Marion, N.D. where he learned the value of hard work which formed the foundation of his personality and career. Vic graduated from college in Valley City, N.D. with a double major in Elementary Education & Music and was a talented musician who played the trombone and sang in a band. Vic was drafted into the U.S. Army (National Guard) during the Vietnam War and served his country prior to moving to Canada in 1975. Vic & Barb cofounded Gainsboro Photography Studio in Medicine Hat with Barb’s sister, Jan Bunney, in 1979 which they co-owned until 2007. Vic lived by the creed, ‘any job worth doing, is worth doing well’ and worked tirelessly at everything from teaching to framing at the Studio, to numerous renovation projects and rental properties. Vic was the first call for many friends’ and neighbors’ home improvement projects. He was always the hardest worker in the room and possessed an uncommon ability to solve problems and fix everything. Upon retiring to High River, Vic couldn’t sit still and took on the job of shuttle driver at High River Toyota where he impressed everyone with his dedication and work ethic. He also started his own small business, repairing and selling bicycles out of his garage in High River where he had a positive impact on his community by donating bikes to kids in need. Victor Van Enk was a deeply loved son, brother (in-law), husband, uncle, father, grandfather, and teacher who has left an enduring legacy and will be profoundly missed. Vic fought a long battle with pancreatic cancer with the grace and courage of a truly great man. His strength provided his family with three precious years of wonderful memories and lessons which we will forever be grateful for. His additional time on earth allowed him to meet his youngest grandchild, Fletcher, and allowed us all to benefit from his knowledge and love. His family would like to thank all the medical professionals who assisted in his fight with cancer at the High River & Foothills hospitals as well as Vic’s numerous family, friends and neighbours who have provided tremendous support and comfort over the years. Vic is survived by his wife Barb Van Enk; daughter & son-in-law Jennie & Sean Milne & their two sons Bryer & Fletcher; son & daughter-in-law Eric & Christina Van Enk & their three daughters Gabriella, Madison & Savannah; sister Carolyn Limesand; brother & sister-in-law Jerry & Eva Van Enk; brother & sister-in-law Glenn & Pat Van Enk; sister & brother-in-law Linda & Keith Grier; brother & sister-in-law Kent & Valie Van Enk; sister-in-law & brother-in-law Jan Bunney & Earl Hofer, as well as 16 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Alvin & Jennie Van Enk and brother-in-law, Leonard Limesand. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Vic’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society. A Celebration of life for Victor Van Enk will be held at the Beverage Building downtown Medicine Hat from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26th. Entrance to the building faces the parking lot located between 1st & 2nd street. Overflow parking located behind the National Bank Financial office - 505 1st St. SE (1 block west of the Beverage Building parking). Parking is also available along 2nd & 3rd street. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

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Mr. Victor Lee Van Enk

November 29, 1950 - June 3, 2025