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HECTOR A. VANDENBERGHE
Born: Jun 15, 1944
Date of Passing: May 05, 2019
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HECTOR A. VANDENBERGHE
Dad met the love of his life and married our mom Gina (nee Frechett) on April 23, 1966; they celebrated 53 years of marriage. They had their three daughters, Susann Nitsopoulos (Peter), Shelly Prynne (Grant) and Sandra Nicov (Bruce). The most amazing grandchildren, Nicholas (Youngjoo) Argentina, Sophia and Isabella. Dad leaves behind his older brother and sister Rene Mermoud and Eve McDonald, many nieces and nephews, special Godniece Karen. Dad was the godfather to his nephew Keith Frechette and Ursula Rosati.
Growing up, Dad's love of hunting and hanging out with his hunting buddies was like clockwork. Every September Dad and the boys hiked into the woods and made lifelong friendship that have lasted till today.
Dad has been a loyal fan of the Boston Bruins and Winnipeg Jets since the beginning. Wherever Dad went, those teams went with him.
Dad was very talented in his winemaking skills, and he was so proud to share a bottle of his wine with his family and friends.
Dad started his insurance career working for Dale and Company for a year. Then he decided to go out on his own operating as Vandenberghe Insurance out of the family's home for six years. He opened his first location on St. Mary's Road just in time for Autopac. 22 years later he merged with Ranger until his retirement nine years later.
Dad made the most out of his retirement. Travelling to and from the family's cottage in Lake of the Woods, Kenora where Dad was at his finest. He was an avid bird watcher and chipmunk trainer. His love of fishing and being able to teach his own grandchildren how to catch fish was what life was all about for him. Dad loved to travel. He was so happy to make it back to Belgium for his family reunion. Touring Europe with lifelong friends, Rocco and Lita. Dad had many favourite vacations; they were all the best. Whether it's with family or friends, he always had our mom by his side.
Dad and Mom followed their children out to Ontario and made a beautiful home in Beamsville, ON. Although the winters are way better than Winnipeg, Dad and Mom became snowbirds in Arizona. Spending time with their amazing, lifelong friends, Gerald and Hellen, living just around the corner. Dad and Mom have spent the last eight years, six months at a time, living their best lives ever in Arizona making many special friendships and memories over the years. Dad loved everything about Arizona; it has been a true love of our parents.
Dad loved people and making people laugh. He had such an infectious laugh and always had a good joke to tell - he always laughed the loudest. Dad had many great friends, too many to name. But thank you to Dave and Cheryl, Clarence and Kathy, Penny and Hugh, Darling and Glen, Garry and Irene, Jack and Jean, Chris and Diane, and Dave and Barb. Thanks for your friendships; Dad loved you all.
Dad, your life was lived to the fullest.
It was just too short. We were with you as a family when you left. We will look after Mom and each other. Be free Dad, you are now free, free to shoot your moose/deer and catch your fish. Dad have yourself a big glass of scotch, but only the good stuff.
- Love your family
Dr. Zerrba, thank you for your skills and knowledge in your field. Thank you to all the people who give blood, you don't know how special you are.
As per his wishes, there will be no funeral or Celebration of Life. It will be a private family celebration.
No flowers please. Please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 11, 2019
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Je me rappelle de la venue de hector et sa femme (amie et famille). Il est venu voir ma grand-mère Vandenberghe . On avait fait une magnifique fête sur le thème du Canada. Il avait ramené des t-shirts Canada.( pins..) Il l'avait mis sur ma mère comme si c'était une robe . On a bien ri toute la soirée ! Un magnifique souvenir de mon enfance ( 1993) lors de leur voyage tour d'Europe ou du monde . Toutes nos condoléances à la famille Béatrice - Posted by: Beatrice Lefebvre (Famille française ( frontière belge )) on: Sep 22, 2024
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Just heard about the passing of Hector as Patti and I have been and continue on our grand Australia adventure. Our thoughts go out to Gina and family at this time. I first met Hector as a neighbour and organizer of the McNulty Crescent street parties. They were great! Hector was such a gregarious man and his enthusiasm was infectious in leading others to follow along. Our friendship and professional relationship has covered many years. We are proud to have known Hector. We also have fond memories of the three daughters singing Christmas carols door to door. Fond memories also of attending Susann and Peter's wedding and seeing the whole family having a fun time. One special memory for me was at the time of the great Winnipeg flood of 1997, when Hector was the only one on the street who got sandbags delivered by the City. The reason was 'the pool' but that is another story in itself. Anyway the sandbags were dumped on the driveway at the street. That was a problem as they needed to be built as a dike at the back on the riverside. Not a problem for Hector. He invited all the neighbour guys over for some beers. We took 20 minutes to build the Vandenberghe dike and then drank the beers for a couple hours while the Army guys strolled by patrolling the riverfront. Good times! RIP my friend. - Posted by: Bruce Rutherford (Friend) on: May 15, 2019
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To the Vandenberghe family. Sorry to hear of Hector's passing. Thoughts and prayers are extended to all. Terry played golf with Hector in Maricopa and enjoyed the stories. Hector had a fulfilling life and enjoyed his retirement, whether in Arizona or in Canada. He is now at peace and is watching over everyone. Terry and Doreen Pollen Winter in Arizona, from New Brunswick, Canada - Posted by: Terry and Doreen Pollen (Friends) on: May 13, 2019
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To Gina & Family, I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Hector. He was a really great guy. Although I haven't seen or heard him for well over 20 years, you could always hear Hector, with his loud voice, saying good morning & his 'jolly' walk. Always a good morning to everyone. He can still cheer on his Boston Bruins, he will just be a little higher up but the view is amazing & if the Bruins win, the sky will be rocking. Take care. Sincerely, Theresa Graham - Posted by: Theresa Graham (Former work colleague of Hector's) on: May 11, 2019
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Our memories of Hector will always be told with a smile on our faces. He was truly unique...his infectious sense of humour brought happiness and laughter to all who knew him. He was one of the most genuine people we had the good fortune to call our friend. He presented himself just as he was, there was never any charade, with Hector - what you see is what you get ! He had a passion for life, devotion to his wife and family, and sincerity to his friends. He will certainly be missed by many people, he will always hold a spot in our hearts. We hope Gina and the girls with find comfort from one another and their families. We hope we can offer some support through our friendship, Our prayers are with you. Gary and Irene - Posted by: Gary & Irene Lacoste (friends) on: May 11, 2019
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So sorely missed. Miniota was the best! Hector made it fun, Mark (d.) got the job done with John (d.) (rocketman & his rocketeers). Hector was more fun than a barrel of monkeys....again so sorely missed. So many great memories. - Posted by: Gerald and Helen Lacoste (Lifelong friends and chums in Winnipeg, Kenora, Maricopa, Palm Springs and Miniota) on: May 11, 2019
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I have known Hector for quite a many years. He was everything and more as his obituary says. Rest well Hector, till we all meet again. Sincerely. Connie Prynne - Posted by: Connie Prynne (Friend) on: May 11, 2019