Obituary of Eric VanDalen
Eric VANDALEN
April 18, 1931 – April 23, 2022
Eric died on Saturday, April 23rd in the Kingston General Hospital from deteriorating complications following a leukemia diagnosis several years ago and advancing age. His was an exceptional life and his passing in the end was a relief.
His beloved wife Irene predeceased him in 2015. He is survived by his children Niels (Brisbane Australia) married to Arlene Griffin and grandchildren Ryan and Stephanie; Dale (Atlanta Georgia) married to Lynn Barrett and grandson Mitchell, and daughter Lynne (Gananoque Ontario) partnered with Keith Edgley and step-granddaughters Lisa, Kirsten, and Julie. Eric is also survived by his brother Karl and his wife Angela of Kingston Ontario.
Eric was born April 18th, 1931, in Barendrecht Holland and emigrated to Canada with his family in 1938. From his early days in Hamilton Ontario, Eric went on to graduate in Chemistry from McMaster (Bachelor, Masters) and Purdue Universities (PhD). Most of his professional career was spent working for Alcan where he was involved with and led the Research departments. A late career transition working for the Patent department led to some of the most satisfying work of his career. Eric derived great pleasure and meaning from his work which was rewarded with a wide-ranging career that brought him and his family to live in Arvida Quebec, Guyana South America, Chalfont St Peter and Banbury England and finally Kingston Ontario. Besides living in these places, Eric circled the globe a few times reviewing research departments held by various Alcan subsidiaries.
Eric’s passions were many – helping to establish the Arvida Yacht Club and sailing, generously donating his time to the Boy Scouts of Canada and the Protestant Churches in his community, Square Dancing, model railroading, carpentry and vegetable gardening. Eric was an extrovert who loved hosting social gatherings of all sorts at the family home. It can be said that Eric was most content when he could contribute to his community and receive acknowledgement for his good works.
He is lovingly remembered by his children for his industriousness, thoughtfulness and stability. Eric was a wonderful mentor in how to be a responsible citizen in the world. Dad will be missed greatly. He was always predisposed with a positive attitude and had so many interesting stories to share. A life passes quickly but it is not so painful when that life has been lived to the fullest.
The family is very grateful for all those on Davies 5 who cared for Eric.
A Memorial Service will be held at Edith Rankin Church (4080 Bath Rd. Kingston, ON) on May Saturdasy, 21st at 1 PM (masks are required at the church). For those who can not attend the service you may watch online by going to the following link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83361859614?pwd=M3ZHQ0ZveGhEa25RdlRibEVTTmtFdz09
Meeting ID: 833 6185 9614
Passcode: 132499
As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers memorial donations in Eric’s memory may be made to University Hospitals Kingston Foundation.
