Obituary of ERIC ADRIANUS VAN SCHIE

Eric Adrianus Van Schie passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on October 3,2024 at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg.

Eric was born in Nieuw Vennep, the Netherlands, on September 15, 1930 and was the oldest of eight children. After serving in the army, Eric was a truck driver and mechanic in the Netherlands before immigrating to Canada in 1953 with his family. He continued working as a truck driver when he came to Canada. He met Gertrude Zonneveld in the community of St. Eustache, whom he married in 1958, and moved to Winnipeg to start their family. Eric worked as a Volkswagen mechanic and then studied to become an airplane mechanic. He started his career in airplanes with CAE, then Transair and eventually retired as an inspector from Air Canada in 1995.

Eric had many hobbies which included fishing, hunting, photography, travelling and road trips to Saskatchewan and destinations throughout Manitoba, in the infamous blue Toyota diesel truck, with his dog (Nicki) riding shot gun. Eric happily gathered antique boat motors and wind generator parts to construct his own wind generators. Eric loved puttering around and always had a project on the go. He loved animals, nature, trees, flowers and birds. Eric could always be seen with binoculars and a camera in his hands. Because of his love of the outdoors, he and Gertie eventually bought property in Loni Beach (Gimli), where the family spent many summers. Over the years, the grandchildren have been able to enjoy the cottage as well. All fond memories for the family.

Eric loved playing Klaverjas (card game) and 31 with the family, especially with the grandchildren, after special holiday dinners, around the dining room table. He always had a fantastic story to tell accompanied by his great sense of humour and an enormous smile.

Eric was very involved with St. Ignatius Church over the years. He was an usher, a Knight of Columbus and helped with the coffee and pancake breakfasts that were held in the church hall.

Eric was predeceased by his wife, Gertrude, in 2016, his son-in-law, Jim, in 2021 and his daughter, Mary Lou, in 2022. He was also predeceased by many of his own family members over the years. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Jake, Johanna, Shirley Anne, Neil, John and son-in-law Greg Mendro, as well as by all his grandchildren Sarah (Danny), Ashley (Josh), Robert, Martin (Breanne), Monty (Mel), Max, Hannah, Josh and Willem and his great grandchildren Monty Jr., Matteo and Lainey. He will be sadly missed by his sisters Nelly and Thea. 

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all of the staff at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg for the exceptional care they provided.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, 255 Stafford Street. With interment to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 501 Plinguet Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Winnipeg.