Passed away in his 97th year in Mississauga. Beloved husband of Stella for 73 years, loving Dad to Sheila, Ray (Joanne) and Dave (Jenn); proud grandfather of Stu, Rachel, Vanessa, and Alana; great grandfather of Victoria; fond brother-in-law of surviving in-laws Alf Moore and Winn Conley; equally fond uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his siblings Audrey, Lloyd, twin Arthur and, more recently, his beloved cat, Bernie. Hamilton born and raised, Van enjoyed long life filled with many pursuits and turns: a touring acrobat with Kings of The Air, figure skater, artist and WWII RCAF flight navigator in his youth; a night school B.Sc. graduate from Sir George Williams University in Montreal, where he met and married Stella in 1942 and raised his family; a working life where he wore such varied hats as Traffic Coordinator at Bell Canada to Director of Human Resources (H.G. Woods, Laura Secord, Humber College) art gallery owner on Yonge St., Toronto. He later became a long time choral member with Scarborough Dukes of Harmony (gold medalists) as well as Oakville Entertainers. In his retirement years he enjoyed his computer, and notably participated in a McMaster University study of the effects of weight training on seniors, where his positive attitude and vitality were singled out. Van was very active to the end of his eighties, living at home with his wife and daughter right up until his final few months. He was a good and decent man who was well known for his friendliness and sense of humour, genuine interest in friends, extended family and all whom he met. He was blessed to live such a long, full life. His good natured spirit will be sorely missed and cherished by those of us who have known and loved him. The family extends gratitude to the caregivers at Acclaim Health Senior Day Program (Alzheimer Services) and Mississauga Long Term Care Facility. The family will be celebrating his life at a future date. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada.