Adrian VAN DE VEN

VAN DE VEN, Adrian - 89, Church Street Extension, Antigonish, passed away peacefully March 6, 2008, in St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Born on October 31, 1918, in Heeswyk, Dinther, Holland, he immigrated to Cape Breton in 1951 with his young bride, Maria (Verkuylen). In 1976, they left their farm and moved to Antigonish. Adrian "Opa" always put God and his family above all else. Aside from this, his passions included farming, music, dancing, and a good game of cards with friends. Despite various health challenges, Opa always remained cheerful and strong, with a never failing sense of humour and a sprinkle of mischief. Adrian is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Maria (Verkuylen), the centre if his world; his six children, Ardina MacDonald, Foxbrook; Patsy (Chris) MacDonald, Hopewell; Rinus (Lynn) van de Ven, Judique; Janie (Gary) van den Heuvel, Brook Village; Paulina (Francis) Landry, Pomquet; Herman (Debbie) van de Ven, Lower Sackville; 18 grandchildren; great-grandson, Ewan MacEachern; sister, Theodora van Pinxteren, Holland, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins in Holland. Adrian was predeceased by his parents, Hubertus and Ardina (van Lyssel) van de Ven; brothers, Harrie, Piet, and Antoon; sisters, Paulina Kuppens, Sjaan van de Ven and Cisca vanPinxteren (all of Holland). Visitation in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College St., Antigonish, on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be held in St. Ninian's Cathedral on Monday at 10 a.m. with Rev. Tom MacNeil, Rev. Hugh D. MacDonald and Rev. Danny MacLennan presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery at a later date. Family flowers only please. Donations in memory may be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses or a charity of choice. On-line condolences: www.clcurry.com