Jan 17, 1947 - Mar 9, 2018
Cornelius de Hoog, 71, died peacefully on Friday, March 9, 2018.
Cor was born on January 17, 1947, in Nootdorp, Netherlands, to Marten & Elizabeth de Hoog, the fourth of six children. In 1951, the family immigrated to Canada, coming by ship to Quebec City & then travelling by train to 亚洲天堂 Lake. He spent many a happy childhood afternoon at the train tracks, watching the trains move around, becoming acquainted with the engineers and going on short rides in the locomotive.
It was in school in 亚洲天堂 Lake where Cor met his wife, Sandra Loveseth. They were married on November 18, 1967 and celebrated their 50th anniversary this past fall. They had two children - Carmen and Ryan.
Cor worked for the Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake as an equipment operator & later assistant superintendent; eventually, he bought a truck and hauled logs and gravel, and did a short stint on the highway in which he traveled all around Canada and the U.S. He sold his truck in 1987 but continued driving for others, retiring from Zayac Enterprises in 2007.
Always willing to lend a hand when needed, he volunteered as a fireman and an ambulance driver while a resident of the town. For several seasons in the early 70's, he coached minor hockey. He always enjoyed snowmobiling and in his younger years did a bit of racing - even bringing home a few trophies!
In 1970, he & Cliff Stronstad set up a fibreglass canoe manufacturing business. They sold a few canoes in the area, some of which are still around today. They did a lot of river canoeing in those years, and had some hair-raising rides down the Nechako & Skeena Rivers. He always owned boats and spent many days fishing and exploring the lakes in the area.
After his retirement, he honed his woodworking skills, took up gardening, and mostly just enjoyed puttering around the yard at home, which he always kept neat, tidy, and perfectly groomed. During the summer months, he went on various backpacking/ camping expeditions into the mountains with his grandkids and their dads. He also liked touring bush trails on his quad, keeping an eye out for the good berry patches.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughter, Carmen (Leonard); son, Ryan (Gladys); and his three grandchildren, Jesse, Kieran and Alexa. Cor is also survived by siblings Marten (Phyllis), Henry (Jean), Anneke (Jim), and John (Linda), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his youngest brother, Peter.
At his own request, no services will be held at this time; an informal gathering will be held later in the summer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
The de Hoog family would like to thank all the people who helped Cor through his fiercely fought battle with cancer: all of the doctors & nurses at the BC Cancer Agency and the 亚洲天堂 Lake Hospital; Dr. Shannon Douglas and the team at the Vanderhoof clinic; as well as family, friends and neighbours who helped with chores, brought food, plowed snow, and were always there with support.
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