It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Van De Goey on February 22, 2023 in Victoria, British Columbia. Van passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honour his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
Van started his career as an electrician at a young age and later became a partner at Belltech Electric with his long-time friend, Dean Bellagente. They worked alongside one another up until his passing.
Van impacted the lives of many whether through work, volunteering, hobbies, or everyday connections. His positive personality was contagious to everyone he met. Described by many who knew him as a man of integrity, he was kind, funny, quick to offer a helping hand and always recognized the importance of paying it forward. He was a devoted husband, father and uncle who put family first, always.
Van is survived by his wife, Loretta; his daughter, Lauren; his brothers, Bob, John and Marc; along with his nieces and nephews.
Van’s family would like to give a special thanks to the caring staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital 5th Floor ICU and all other health care professionals that Van encountered during this time.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Inn at Laurel Point on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Royal Jubilee Hospital ICU via the Victoria Hospitals Foundation at https://www.victoriahf.ca/critical-donation/. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Anthony Gray
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Patsy and Bruce Tanner To All The DeGoey Family
We were very saddened when we heard the news of Van’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with him when he would come for apples at our orchard on Wilkinson Rd. Although we moved to Cobble Hill he was one of those people who leaves a lasting impression; someone who has high integrity and is kind and thoughtful. We can only imagine the huge loss this is for you all.
We send you our heartfelt condolences.
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Anne Marshall Dear Loretta and Lauren,
So sorry to hear of Van’s passing. We remember you all as neighbours on Oakdowne Road and have fond memories of Van’s carefully spaced red and green Christmas lights each year. Our thoughts are with you.
Anne and Nick Marshall
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Michele Collins Loretta and Lauren,
I was so very sorry and sad to hear this news. My conversations and meetings with Van over the years were always a pleasure I will miss.
Thinking of you both and sending you big hugs.
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Tracey Lamouruex To the De Goey family, We are so very saddened to hear about your recent loss. We always very much enjoyed working with Van (and Loretta) on their beautiful renovation projects. I recognized early on that Van was kind, honest, mild mannered, a good listener, and very proud of his family. He loved “things” done well and showed a lot of appreciation for our work together. Our thoughts are with Loretta and Lauren and the rest of the Degoey family during this very difficult time.
Sending our support, Tracey Lamoureux and Stephen Pal
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Harvey Sommerfeld Loretta and Lauren. I was so shocked to hear on the passing of Van. For the few years that I had worked with Van..I always enjoyed that time and still to this day have fond memories. He was an honest good person.
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Susan R Panton Van’s greatest loves were Loretta and Lauren. He was a loyal, devoted and caring husband and father. His life reflected how much they mattered to him. Van had tremendous inner strength and determination. I always greatly admired this about him. I remember when Van became a part of Loretta’s life and am so thankful for the journey they shared together and later with Lauren. I can still hear his voice saying “Hi S.H.” I will forever remember him and all his goodness.
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Glenys Pumfrey During my tenure as President of Gorge Vale Golf Club, I was fortunate to have Van serve as one of my fellow directors. Van made an invaluable contribution to the betterment of Gorge Vale and did so in a gentlemanly manner that was respectful of the opinions of his fellow directors.
Van also served as the Chair for Junior Golf and was instrumental in promoting the development of the Junior program. He will be missed.
Glenys and I extend our condolences to you, Loretta, and to Lauren.Noel and Glenys Pumfrey
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Philip Selbee Loretta and Lauren, I was shocked to learn of Van’s passing. I met Van 36 years ago on a jobsite and up until I left construction a few years ago, I had a great working relationship with Van. He was honest, fair and funny. I know he will be missed. My thoughts are with you and Lauren.
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Barry Moores I am very saddened to hear of Van’s passing. I have many fond memories of Van over the years. My sincere condolences to Loretta, Lauren and the rest of the Degoey Family. Barry
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Mary Provenzano When my son Peter introduced me to Van while in Victoria it was obvious there was a bond formed. Now fast forward to the night Peter called and told me about Vans diagnosis I added Van to the list in my novena to St. Dymphna a famous Irish saint. I prayed that Van would remain calm and always hopeful of a good outcome. This is not the outcome I could have wished for but realized God had great plans for this loving man. I truly believe Van is at peace and it’s time to grieve his loss. I will continue to remember Van in my prayers and those family and friends who are left to mourn the loss. R.I.P Van.
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Stephen Atwater Loretta and Lauren
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Van’s passing . My heartfelt condolences to you and your family . I have many fond memories of Van through the years and enjoyed the many conversations we shared . He will be missed .Steve
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Calvin B Lee To the De Goey family. I am very sorry and shocked to hear of the passing of Van. Van and I went through 3rd and 4th year apprentice training together and we ran into each other frequently over the years. He always had the time to stop and say Hi. Van was a great guy and will be greatly missed!
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Len Chilibeck Sue and I were shocked to hear of Van’s passing. Unfortunately we are in Palm Desert at the.moment and will not be able to attend the service. I will always remember Van for.the.kind and giving person he was and a.good friend and business associate. Our.heart filled thoughts and prayers are.with you Loretta and Lauren
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Kim Brunet-Wood and Geoff Wood Bob, Rosie and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother Van. Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. I hope you feel surrounded by love.
Kim and Geoff Wood
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Jay Bowles Marc, so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Take care of yourself and your family.
Jay
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Nigel and Renza Brown and family Loretta and Lauren
Our very heartfelt and deepest condolences over the loss of Van. He was one of the nicest, kindest people we were fortunate to know. He will obviously be missed beyond measure. Our thoughts, prayers and hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Sending big hugs and much love.
Nigel, Renza. Zak and Connor.
Dear Loretta, Lauren, Bob, John, Marc and Family
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Van. He was a part of my life since Jr. High. Van and I listened to music together and he introduced me to Cat Stevens. I spent many hours at his home in Cadbury Bay when we were young. His Father Bert worked with my Father John at the University of Victoria. Later in life we met and his company handled all of our electrical service and installation for the last 24 years. We would meet from time to time and catch up with each others lives. He loved his family and was always there to extend care to us. He was filled with integrity and practiced this in his life. I remember his easy going attitude to life and care he showed his friends. A man with a real heart!
Love Anthony, Rita and Family