Mr. Christopher Anthony Vandeven

January 12, 1944 - October 28, 2020

Mr. Christopher Vandeven of Nanton, Alberta passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at the High River Hospital surrounded by his family at his side at the age of 76 years. Chris was born on January 12, 1944 in Nunen, Holland. He immigrated to Canada when he was four years old. Chris attended Lumsden School where he met the love of his life, Ellen. They married July 30, 1964. Chris was known for his love of life and his love for his family. He was a natural athlete, playing hockey, baseball, golfing, track and earned a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a third-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate over a three-year span. He taught at four of his own karate clubs and competed at tournaments taking home many awards. He coached baseball, both youth and adult for many years. Chris was a devoted employee as an Operations Manager for Imperial Oil for 37 years. After retirement he enjoyed working seasonally for the RM of Redburn for the past decade. He loved going to the gym, loved his children and grandchildren dearly, loved his dog Paddy/Wolfie, yard work, shovelling snow, planting trees and flowers, loved working and visiting in his garage, helping his children and grandchildren with projects, he told the best jokes and he loved playing cards with his family. He was soft spoken, a great listener and always gave great advice. Chris’ light shone on all those who knew him. Chris is survived by his wife Ellen; daughters Natalie (Dale), Kristy (Fred), Ann (Mike) and son Robert (Nikki); sisters Maryann, Jonica (Murray) and brother Adri (Sharon); grandchildren Christopher (Emalee), Benjamin (Trish), Anthony (Ellisa), Raya (Justin), Jana, Dylan and Rylynn; great-grandchildren Logan, Madden, Chloe, Calico, Irus, Elsie, Orren and Hayden. Chris was predeceased by his infant daughter, Jana Rose; brother John; parents John and Peta Vandeven; and godchild Jodi. His bravery and tireless love and devotion to his family were always evident even in his final days battling cancer. There is no doubt he will be loved as much in heaven as he was on earth. Greatly missed, he will never be forgotten. A special thank you goes out to Nanton Homecare Nurses, Leslie Gurr of Decidedly Fit, Dr. Alam and the doctors and nurses of the High River General Hospital. A service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the High River District Health Care Foundation, 560-9th Avenue SW, High River, AB T1V 1B3 and the Nanton Alberta Health Services Homecare Social Fund, 2214 – 20th Street, Nanton, AB, T0L 1R0. "God saw you getting tired, And the cure was not to be, So He wrapped you in His Loving arms. And whispered, "Come with me'. you suffered much in silence, Your spirit did not bend, You faced your pain with courage, Until the very end. You tried so hard to stay with us, Your fight was all in vain, God took you in His loving arms, And saved your from the pain." To send condolences and view Chris’ Tribute Page please visit www.lylereeves.com . Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.