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(FREDERICK) PAUL VAN NEST
Born: Aug 29, 1927
Date of Passing: Mar 02, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory(FREDERICK) PAUL VAN NEST
It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear father at the age of 97.
Predeceased by his daughter Judy (1997), former wife Edna (nee LaRochelle) (2014), parents Frederick J. (Teddy) and Eldred Helen (nee McLean), sisters Joan (Bill) Jacobsen, Julie (Bob) Aitkin and brother, Edward. He leaves to mourn seven remaining children, Stephanie, Peter [Terri (2020)], Pamela (Chris), John [Cathy (2023)], Chuck (Linda), Dean, Barb (Glen) Kolomi; Grandchildren, Joshua, Vanessa, Erin, Hollis (Adam), Benjamin (Brittani), Samantha (Taka), Ian (Chelsaa), Tyler and Ethan; Great grandchildren, Xavier, Lucie, Briseis, Kaito and Coen.
Paul was born and lived his early years in Toronto. The young family then moved to the resort town of Collingwood, where they built and enjoyed for many years, a lovely beachfront log cottage home. Dad flourished in sports and enjoyed the recreational perks of the area, swimming, skiing and sailing. Swimming became a lifelong practice, taking him with full health to the age of 93, as a regular swimmer at Winnipeg’s Sherbrook Pool.
As a young man, Paul pursued a career in hotel and restaurant management, obtaining his degree in Institutional Management in 1951 from University of Toronto. That year he and Edna married and moved to Winnipeg to begin their family. Dad enjoyed a career in a variety of management and sales ventures. Dad was also an avid reader with a talent for research, and enjoyed this work for many years as a hobby.
As a family of eight children, our memories with dad are colourful and plenty. There were train trips to Collingwood, car trips to local lakes, and special trips to Minnesota and North Dakota where dad took us fishing, skiing and sailing. Dad was a superb bedtime story reader and we remember patiently waiting for evenings when that magical time began.
Dad was an avid gardener, especially in his elder years, at his 1920s red brick home in the West End. A fastidious weeder and champion of neighbourhood pride, he found a mission during long summer days and twilight evenings tending the boulevards with meticulous care. He will be dearly missed by good neighbours on Beverley Street.
Our amazing dad was a gentleman of polite demeanour and classic reserve, a man of few words. We will cherish the memory of his goodnight salute: Remember, Jesus loves you.
A private Celebration of Life will take place for family and close friends, followed by interment.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 12, 2025
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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My Condolences to Stefanie and her family in the loss of your father. I hope the ceremony will bring back all those good memories and will give you peace of mind. - Posted by: Ann Smith (Friend.) on: Apr 15, 2025
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My deepest condolences to Barb, Glen and family. I’ll never forget the surprise lunch hour visits at our Junior High just so he can say hi to Barb. May your dad now rest in eternal peace. - Posted by: Linda (Friend) on: Apr 14, 2025
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John and Chuck. So sorry for the loss of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Louise - Posted by: Louise Klan (Friend) on: Apr 14, 2025
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Stephanie and family I am so sorry for your loss. May the good memories of him bring some comfort. Warm regards. - Posted by: Rosa Colavito (Friend) on: Apr 14, 2025
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My condolences to Stephanie and family and friends. - Posted by: Patty Hardy (friend from high school) on: Apr 13, 2025
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John, Chuck and families. My sincerest condolences on the passing of your Dad. I’m glad he had such a long, happy life. I can still see him out in the garden and coming up the street with his briefcase. Keep your memories close. ❤️ Merrill - Posted by: Merrill Romana (nee Dinney) (Friend) on: Apr 12, 2025
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May he travel safe and find a place in the beautiful garden above. Thinking of you ALL - Posted by: Judy (Childhood neighbor/friend) on: Apr 12, 2025
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our families Condolences to Pete and family for your loss. - Posted by: wayne caplette (pete's friend) on: Apr 12, 2025
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My family and I send you our warmest condolences to you, Chuck, and your family. - Posted by: Jill Palmer (McWhinney (School friends) on: Apr 12, 2025
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Condolences to you and your family. I know you will miss your dad very much. I remember at get togethers he was always so upbeat. Always ready with a smile. He is a really nice person, you were really lucky to have him. - Posted by: Darcy (Friend) on: Apr 12, 2025