September 1, 1949 - August 23, 2024
In loving memory ~
Shaunce was born in Winterswijk, the Netherlands, to Barend and Hilligje. He was their sixth child, having 4 older brothers and 1 older sister. In 1951 the family immigrated to Canada, settling eventually in Smithers, BC, where Shaunce grew up. When he was almost six years old, he was forced to give up the title Baby of the Family, when his younger sister was born. He moved to Terrace, BC as a young adult, and stayed there for the rest of his life. A number of constants can be found throughout Shaunce' life:
Family: Shaunce was very family oriented. He loved spending time at family gatherings, family visits, and he was keenly interested in the comings and goings of all family members. While Shaunce never became a father, he was a much loved Uncle Shaunce to his nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces, and Papa Shaunce to Laurie's grandkids. In the last few months of his life, Shaunce visited all his remaining siblings and several of his beloved nieces.
Volunteerism: Shaunce believed in giving back to his community. As a young adult, he became a volunteer firefighter and remained so until he aged out. This was a role he absolutely loved and really enjoyed collecting T-shirts from fellow firefighters. Shaunce volunteered at the Terrace Speedway flagging for stock car races, and later became a volunteer with the Terrace Legion. Through these endeavours and others, he developed many meaningful friendships.
Sports and Games: Shaunce liked throwing horseshoes, even setting up his own pits, complete with lights, on his property. He also enjoyed curling and golf. He enjoyed these things, not because he won (he didn't), but because it gave him the opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Shaunce first learned to play crib at the Smithers Fire Hall and was ready to play with anyone willing to play with him.
Loyalty: Shaunce was an extremely loyal person. If you were his friend, he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. His loyalty to his favourite hockey team, the Vancouver Canucks, is evidenced by the three tattoos on his arm. He was also brand loyal, Lucky and Ford, to name a few. He was an all-in kind of guy.
Shaunce had a knack for finding lovely women. He was married three times; to Barb, to Debbie, and to Margaret. When his marriages to Barb and Margaret ended in divorce, he never once said a bad word about them, and was able to remain friends with them. Debbie was taken from him way too young. Her death utterly devastated him and changed his life forever. He cherished their relationship until the day he died. In Laurie, he found a very loving, caring companion and faithful friend.
Shaunce was a fun-loving, self-effacing, unpretentious, you got what you saw kind of person, who spread humour and laughter wherever he went. He will be sorely missed.