WILLIAM (VAN) HOLTSLAG

June 18, 1912 – January 17, 2007

Peacefully after a short illness, Van passed away Wednesday in Carman Hospital at the age of 94 years. He was predeceased by his wife Louella, parents John Wm. and Helena Holtslag, brothers Gerhard, John, and Fred, sisters Helena, Greta and Janie plus friend Marg Dale. He is survived by loving son Brian, grandson Bairn Mooney, and great grandsons Everett and Oliver Mooney. He was loved and will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews and dear neighbour Betty Stopa.

Van was born in Oakbank, MB and came to Carman with his parents at the age of three. He and his brother Fred established Holtslag Bros. Service Station beside their father’s blacksmith shop in the 1930’s. Van served 5 years in the Canadian Armed Forces during WWII in England, Holland, Germany, and France returning to Canada just before the war ended. He and Fred continued to operate the service station and raise their families until selling in the 1970’s. Van was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Carman serving on the executive and fundraised thousands of dollars on their behalf recently receiving his 60 year pin. He enjoyed curling and golf, his large garden and lovely yard. He was a generous man who loved to help those in need. His day was not complete without coffee in the morning with the “boys” at Chicken Chef and a drink in the afternoon at the Legion. The family wishes to thank Van’s doctors and nurses at the Carman Hospital, the workers at Home Care and the staff at the Boyne Towers/Lodge for their considerate care and patience during his final years.

A funeral service will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Carman on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 2pm with Rev. Harold Kenyon officiating.  Interment will take place in the Greenwood Cemetery, Carman. 

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Carman Legion or the Carman Hospital Foundation, Carman, Manitoba ROG OJO.