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Grant Van Vliet, 2015-12-21

Van Vliet, Grant – December 21, 2015, passed away suddenly with his wife of 11 years by his side.  Born September 3, 1934 to parents Thomas Traver Van Vliet and Dema May Lathe, in Lacolle, Que., Grant was raised in the family home of of the three Van Vliet brothers who owned and operated the family farm on Rte. 221.   He graduated from Stanstead College, and married Sheelagh Ann Myers in 1958. They had 4 children Karen (Trevor Tripp), Keith Scott, Kevin, and Kim (Ken Allinson).  He was the proud grandfather of Stephen Kyle Van Vliet, son of Kevin.  Grant was a 50-year mason and member in good standing at the Clarenceville-Nelson Lodge #9, Past Master of Clarenceville #91 and Past District Deputy Grand Master for the District of Bedford in 1976.  He devoted his entire career to the insurance brokerage business and was a businessman of the highest respect and trust.   In 2006 he retired to Napierville with his second wife, Sylvia Allain. They were avid square dancers and spent many winters in Texas enjoying dancing a couple of times a week with daughter Karen.  Grant was the groundskeeper of the Burtonville Cemetery of Lacolle.    

The family will receive condolences at:

Serre & Finnegan
48 de l'église nord
Lacolle, J0J1J0
450-246-3988 | 1-800-263-3074
www.serrefinnegan.com

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 9 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm followed by a Masonic service at funeral home parlour.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Burtonville Cemetery, c/o Heinrich Morf, 375 Rte. 221 N., Lacolle, Que. J0J 1J0. 
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Van Vliet, Grant, le 21 décembre 2015, Grant nous a quitté soudainement, avec à ses côtés, son épouse des 11 dernières années. Né le 3 septembre 1934, de Thomas Traver Van Vliet et Dema May Lathe, Grant a été élevé dans la maison familiale des trois frères Van Vliet. Ces derniers, étaient propriétaires et s’occupaient de la ferme familiale, située sur la Rte 221 à Lacolle. Grant a gradué de Stanstead College, il a épousé Sheelagh Ann Myers en 1958. Ils ont eu quatre enfants; Karen (Trevor Tripp), Keith Scott, Kevin et Kim( Ken Allinson). Il était le fier grand-père de Stephen Kyle Van Vliet, fils de Kevin. Grant était membre de l’Ordre des Franc-Maçons et y comptait 50 années de service en 2010, membre respecté de la Loge Clarenceville-Nelson Lodge No. 9, également Passé Vénérable Maître de la Loge Clarenceville No. 91 et Passé Député Grand Maître du District pour le District de Bedford en 1976.

Il a dédié sa carrière entière dans le domaine des assurances et a été un homme d'affaires de confiance très respecté. En 2006 il s’est retiré à Napierville avec sa deuxième épouse Sylvia Allain. Ils étaient de fervents amateurs de danse carrée et ils ont passés plusieurs hivers au Texas, à danser quelques fois par semaine avec Karen, la fille de Grant. Grant était l'homme responsable de l'entretien du cimetière Burtonville de Lacolle, auquel dont il vouait une affection particulière.
 
La famille recevra les condoléances au salon funéraire;

Serre & Finnegan
48 de l'église nord
Lacolle, J0J1J0
450-246-3988 | 1-800-263-3074
www.serrefinnegan.com

Heures des visites, le samedi 9 janvier 2016, de 14 :00 à 16H00, suivi d’une célébration par l'Ordre des Franc-Maçons, en la chapelle du salon.

Au lieu de fleurs,  vous pouvez faire un don au cimetière de Burtonville, Heinrich Morf, 375 Rte 221 N., Lacolle, Québec J0J 1J0.  


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Sympathy

Toutes nos condoléances

My sons, Dave and Mike and myself, remember Grant fondly. His face would light up with a smile the minute he looked at you which always made me feel like he was sincerely glad to see me. I believe he had that way with everyone he met. Our condolences to his wife Sylvia, Karen, Kevin, Keith, and Kim. We are thinking of you all here in B.C.

Edith Goodfellow

Toutes nos condoléances

My deepest sympathies to the Van Vliet family.
You will be mist

Suzanne Lacroix

Il y a des Anges au Paradis pour l'accueillir

Sylvia, our thoughts and prayers are with you, He will be missed,

Nancy et Léo

Our condolences

Our deepest condolence to the Vanvliet family,Enjoyed dancing with Grant, Kevin you are greatly missed as a caller .

Cyril and Lea Bernard

Our condolences

We extend our deepest sympathy to Sylvia and all of Grant’s family. Reading through all the touching tributes to Grant here, I find so many of the words that have come to my mind as well – caring advice, generosity, good nature, integrity, respect, kindness, wisdom, gentleman, patience, skill, fun. Especially fun. Thinking of Grant has always brought a smile to my lips and a warm feeling to my heart. All my family will miss him and I especially will miss his standard cousinly greeting: “Still short, eh?”.

Judy (Van Vliet) and Adam Symansky

Our condolences

On behalf of the Derick family, our deepest condolences to Sylvia and the children. Grant was a fine man and Mason, and a lifelong friend of our extended family, including the late Ray, Herb, Bob, Gerald, and Betty Derick. We are grateful for his life, and will remember him with great fondness. Brian Derick

Brian Derick

May God accompany you in this hardship

So sad to hear this news. Your father set a great example of how a man should live his life. With kindness, patience, skill, and a healthy sense of fun. We should all hope to come close to his success. Sincerest sympathy go out to you and your family.

Albert Clark

Our condolences

So sorry to hear the sad news about your Dad. I have wonderful childhood memories of going to your home, and playing with Karen, Scott, Kevin and Kim. On a couple occasions I can remember getting pizza……That was such a treat! All great memories that will stay with me in my life time. Once Again Our deepest sympathies and may your Dad rest in peace.

Janet Stinson Sharp

Our condolences

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the untimely and sudden death of my friend and Masonic Brother, Grant.
Grant was a true professional and a true friend and we spoke often about business matters and his winter trips to Texas.I will always remember Grant as an honest and cheerful person who loved his retirement and most notably his sojourns in Texas.
Unfortunately I do not think that I will be able to attend on the 9th so I take this opportunity to offer my sincere sympathies and condolences.My thoughts and prayers are with you all. So mote it be.

Gerry

Gerald C Burke

Toutes nos condoléances

So sorry to hear the sad news about Grant. He was my go to guy for local history. My sympathy to you all.

Dorothy Hannah

Toutes nos condoléances

Sylvia, I was saddened to learn that your husband, Grant, has passed away. My condolences go out
to you and all the family.

Stephen Whitty

Toutes nos condoléances

Kim, you and your family are in my thoughts at this difficult time. Your dad will be missed …

Tracey (Robinson) Watkins

Toutes nos condoléances

It was very sad to hear about this lost of such a nice gentleman, when I grew up his Dad’s farm was next to ours , we went to school together than grew up and became very good friends into Square Dancing. Sylvia, Karen, Kim and Kevin our deepest sympathies and may Grant rest in peace.

Suzanne(Girard) and Charlie Upton

Toutes nos condoléances

J’ai eu l’opportunité et le plaisir de travailler pour Grant plusieurs années. Je le remercierai toujours de m`avoir donné ma chance.
Mes sympathies a toute la famille.
My sincere condolences to all the family.

Madeleine Boucher

Toutes nos condoléances

Sylvia, I was saddened to hear of Grant’s passing. May God give you strength at this time.

Jean Jarvis

Toutes nos condoléances

We are thinking of you all at this time. We have so many memories and send you our sincere sympathies at this time.

Dorothy Bienz and family

Overwhelmed to learn such terrible news

Grant was a rock , gave me my start in the business. I thought of him often and was so glad we had our visit , just a few weeks short of his passing.. will always be in my thoughts.

Elizabeth Clermont-Feeny and family

Toutes nos condoléances

We were so saddened to hear about Grant’s passing. As a teenager in Lacolle, I spent many hours babysitting the children and have fond memories of the whole family. He will be truly missed. Our sincere sympathy to all.

Gary and Barbara (VanVliet) Shufelt

Toutes nos condoléances

We’re so sorry for your tragic loss Sylvia. We know you had much happiness with Grant.

Gerry & Betty Lindeman

Toutes nos condoléances

Dear Sylvia, veuillez accepter mes sincères condoléances.
Que Dieu accorde la paix à votre mari bien aimé.

Konrad Muncs

Our thoughts are with you in this moment of grief

Sylvia and the family, dealt with Grant for over 40 years in business and retirement, he will be sadly missed by all.

Hartmann & Rosemary Schimmelpfeng

Our condolences

Dear Sylvia, so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Wishing you strength in this difficult time.

Helene O’Neill

Toutes nos condoléances

Grant, much loved, still loved and will be forever missed. God bless.

Sylvia

Toutes nos condoléances

Dear Sylvia, Karen, Scott, Kim and Kevin,
Our sincere sympathies on the loss of your husband and father. A man who was ever present in the community and who would always listen to what you had to say or to give advice. He will be missed.P

Peter & Kathi Bienz

Our thoughts are with you in this moment of grief

Our condolences to Sylvia,Karen,Kim,Scott,and Kevin .As little as 2 weeks ago Grant came by on his annual visit to bring the Van Vliet calenders and wish us all happy holidays and the best in the new year.The Van Vliet families have a special place in our hearts,ever since our parents arrived in Lacolle in the 50’s.Our exchanges with Grant socially and in business were seamless due to his good nature and solid integrity.He will be sadly missed in the community.

Jack and Lynda Bienz and extended family

Our thoughts are with you in this moment of grief

The loss of a Masonic Brother is always a sad thing, but we can rest
assured knowing that he has now joined that Great Lodge presided over by the
Grand Architect, He who designed the heavens and the earth, where friendship and brotherly love shall prevail for all eternity.
Please accept our condolences at this sad time.

Mike Botelho, 33*, Pharr, TX

Toutes nos condoléances

Toutes nos sympathies à la famille de Grant,

Je garde le souvenir de Grant, d’un homme fier, de bonne humeur, aimant la vie et les gens

autour de lui, toujours prêt à rendre service.

A chaque année avant de partir pour le Texas, tu passais nous voir, nous jaser un peu et

j’en suis certaine, revoir la maison où tu as grandi.

Bon voyage Grant.

Nicole Rodrigue et Réal St-Hilaire

Our thoughts are with you in this moment of grief

My sincere condolences to the family, May the Lord give you peace knowing your father was loved by so many people. God bless you.

Officer Michael Mata #1479, Pharr Police Department

Toutes nos condoléances

Our condolences

We had recently been looking at some photos from our wedding reception, here in the “Hebert farmhouse” thirty-six years ago, Dec. 22nd. Of course Grant and family were here. As we had little time for Christmas preparations, Sheelagh and Grant graciously invited us to share Christmas dinner with their family. Good memories. It chilled me to learn of his passing.

Ruth and Bill Bernhaut

Our thoughts are with you in this moment of grief

to Kim and all her family – so sorry about your father – I know you were looking forward to him being at your wedding but he still will be there in love and spirit.

Laurie and Joan (Kens sister and bro-in-law) (Kims future sister-in-law)

Toutes nos condoléances

What do you mean “groundskeeper’? For some 40 years, Grant has been the inspiration of the Burtonville Cemetery. He did everything from issuing tax receipts to resetting gravestones. And the grounds always looked immaculate. Hope a couple of people will come forward, not to cut the grass, but to continue Grant’s dedicated service.

John Gallop – Burtonville Trustee

Our condolences

Very sorry for your loss

Larry and Judy Gowland PHARR SOUTH

Our thoughts are with you in this moment of grief

Sylvia, Karen, Trevor, and family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Mike & Rae Maikranz

May peace be with you

Our thoughts are with the family in this time of sorrow.

Carole and Edward McClelland

Our condolences

Dear Sylvia,
Emery sent me an e-mail last night telling me of your husband’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathies . I’ve been through this twice in my life and it’s tough . It will be 18 years this coming Monday since my loving husband Pete passed away . He was the love of my life.
Take care and I still live at the same place and have the same phone number if you want to get in touch.
Till then stay well. Love Laudia Boucher (Imbimbo).

Laudia

Toutes nos condoléances

Our condolences to Sylvia and Grant’s children ..
Grant will be sorely missed. He spent many hours at the cemetery just down the road from us.
When I was cutting my lawn or working in the gardens I could always see his pickup or mower as he was working. We always compared notes about lawn cutting.
He took immense pride in the way he tended the Burtonville Cemetery. His shoes will be huge ones to have to fill.

Germaine and Heiri

Toutes nos pensées sont avec vous en ce jour de deuil

Sincere condolences to Grant’s Family.
His wisdom and kindness will be missed.

Yves & Nicole Duteau

Toutes nos condoléances

My sincere condolences

Rosaire Laforest

Our condolences

Dear Kevin,

We are sorry to learn of the passing your Dad, We remember him well from square dancing – He was always such a nice gentleman. It is always sad to lose a parent at any age and we hope your good memories bring you comfort at this sad time.

We wish you a peaceful New Year.

George and Frances Feehan

Il y a des Anges au Paradis pour l'accueillir

Our sincerest condolences to Grant’s family, he will be missed. I will always remember one lesson he taught me sitting in his office in Lacolle.

Pat Hannah

Our condolences

Karen and Trevor, our prayers of comfort are with you at this difficult time. May fond memories fill your hearts.

Jarie and Ray Slack

The Angels in Paradise are welcoming

I am so proud to be his daughter; la fille a Grant. I am truly blessed. Je t’aime papa.

Kim Seeling (Van Vliet)

Our condolences

I want to say to all of Grant’s family how sorry Linda and I are to hear the sad news of his passing. Having grown up in Lacolle, I have many great memories of Grant. I remember him as always being in a good mood and he usually had a kind word or a good joke to tell me whenever we met.
As a fifteen year old I remember showing up on Grant’s doorstep one day (completely unannounced) and asking him if he could help me put the leather covering on a speaker cabinet I had built. In his usual friendly manner he smiled and then asked me to leave everything with him and he’d see what he could do. A couple of days later he dropped off the cabinet at our house and it was covered so well it looked like it came directly from the factory. This is just one example of Grant’s caring manner, not to mention his talent in building things.
We go to Lacolle every summer and I usually stop by Burtonville cemetery to pay my respects to our many ancestors. It seems every time I went there, Grant was also there – working hard to make sure the grounds were looking great. I will certainly miss seeing him next summer.
Again, our sincere condolences to Sylvia, Karen, Keith, Kevin and Kim.
Cousin George Van Vliet

George and Linda Van Viet

Toutes nos condoléances

My sincere condolences to Grant’s Family. He will be missed.

Opal Call

Our condolences

Sylvia, we are sorry for your loss. We will miss you and Grant in our square. Karen and Trevor, cherish the wonderful memories. We love you.

Carrah and Joe Maney.

Toutes nos condoléances

My condolences to the famiy. What an outstanding family. I grew up with all VanVliet’s families. I used to deliver groceries every week to their homes. Beautiful memories.

Norbert Lenoir

Our condolences

Kevin…my condolences to you and your family.

Michael Masella

The Angels in Paradise are welcoming

I stand proud as Grant Van Vliet’s son. I will forever try to honour his name, as always, and I walk with my head held high as a proud father of one, like Dad carried the daily pride of his four children wherever he went. I know from years of experience what it is like to be respected by others. My Dad was always interested in each of our daily lives and was always there to encourage and coach us forward through the good and bad times. I will always be grateful for the chance to carry on the Van Vliet name wherever my journey takes me, and I will continue to do things that I know he would be proud of. I thank all those in our family town of Lacolle for your years of support and friendship. No matter how difficult times could be, my dad always had something good to say about everyone. (Even through the ice storm.) So Dad, thanks for teaching me all that you did, and I will try my best to pass my knowledge learned from you to my son, and I promise to not ever let you down. Kevin: vanvliet@total.net Karen: karen@trippcentral.ca

Kevin Van Vliet

Our condolences

With heartfelt condolences during this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our deepest sympathies.

Tony Hattar

Tony Hattar

Nous partageons votre chagrin

Our sincere condolence to all your family.

Jeannette and Germain Jubinville

Toutes nos condoléances

Our most sincere condolences to the children of Grant and to Sylvia. Grant, you were agreat masonic brother and we will miss you.

Solange et Denis Gravel

Toutes nos condoléances

I am so sad to hear of Grant’s passing. He was always there for the Van Vliet’s – to the living by lending advice, guidance and fun- and to the deceased through his care of our ancestors in the cemetery.
I send my deepest sympathy to Sylvia, Karen, Keith, Kevin and Kim.
If it weren’t so far I would be in Lacolle to help you celebrate his life.
Joanne Van Vliet Davenport (daughter of Rod and Aileen Davenport).

Joanne Van Vliet Davenport

Toutes nos condoléances

Grant was as close as I had to a big brother. My friends and I from Montreal East were always touched by his generosity, and impressed by his good nature, and grateful for his caring advice. The Myers family is profoundly saddened by the lost of a much loved brother-in-law.

Robert

May peace be with you

A man of integrity, a proud father, yet a more modest man I never knew. Rest in peace, Grant.

Trevor Tripp

Our condolences

It is with great sadness I learned of the passing of Grant Van Vliet, when visiting friends in LaColle I would ofthen pick him up when we would visit Claranceville Lodge.
He will be sorry my missed. RIP my brother.

Jim Flanagan

Toutes nos condoléances

My sincere condolences to Karen, Kevin, Keith and Kim for the loss of your Dad. May God bless you and your entire family during these difficult times.

Frank van Vliet

Toutes nos condoléances

My sincere condolences to Karen, Kevin and Kim for the loss of your Dad. May God bless you and your entire family during these difficult times.

Frank van Vliet

The Angels in Paradise are welcoming

May you rest in peace, my most precious father.

Trevor and I have had the pleasure of spending our winters with Dad and Sylvia. We danced together twice a week at least, and on Saturday nights they would sometimes come and watch us Ballroom Dance. He was a proud father and would tell everyone “that’s my daughter!” when we would be in a dance hall together.

It is a wonderful privilege to be unconditionally loved, and to know that there were no words left unsaid, no regrets. We had been talking by phone in the week before his passing and we were looking forward to having them join us on January 6th in Texas.

I am happy that he did not suffer and I take comfort in that. I shall miss him with a loving heart forevermore. I can stand proud and say “I am Grant Van Vliet’s daughter”. I love you Dad, rest in peace.

Karen Tripp (Van Vliet)

Toutes nos condoléances

My condolences to all the family, he will be missed…

Jean Lestage