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Teunis VAN

April 12, 2008

VAN SOEREN Teunis Van Soeren of Innisfail, AB. died peacefully at the age of 77 on April 8, 2008. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Maaike of 53 years; daughters, Ada (George) Lacoursiere of Saskatoon, Ellie (Tim) Merrick of Edmonton, Wilma (Brad) Watson of Calgary and Allison (Jim) Nestorvich of Innisfail. Dad will also be missed by his 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his one brother and 3 sisters from the Netherlands, in addition to several sister and brother-in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Aaltje Bakker and Albert Van Soeren. Born in Nijkerk, Gelderland, Holland. Dad began his devotion to farm life as a child working on his parent's farm through the depression and World War II. Over the years he developed his passion for animals, nursing several sickly critters back to health that others had given up on. As a teenager he spent his days working and spare time with friends and neighbours. In 1955, he married Maaike with the first three girls being born in Holland. In 1962 the family immigrated to Canada. After a long flight with three young children, they arrived in Quebec. Not speaking a word of English, Dad decided it would be faster to take a train instead of waiting for a connecting flight to Calgary. After four days on the train, they finally made it to Calgary where family members were waiting for their arrival. Dad spent the next three years farming around Calgary and one year working for a construction company that helped lay the foundation for the Foothills Hospital in Calgary and the Red Deer College. Dad soon realized his heart was still in farming. After the arrival of their last daughter, dad went on the hunt for his own farm. In 1967 Dad realized his dream and, moved the family to the farm east of Innisfail. Starting with forty-five dairy cows, many years were spent pursuing his dream and love for the farm. Dad will always be remembered for his understanding of dairy cattle and his love of horses. He instilled devotion for family and a strong work ethic in his children. He was the essence of living your dreams and taught us to never give up on what we believed in, especially when times got tough. Through good times and bad he always maintained his sense of humour, steadfastness and devotion to family and friends. The family would also like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Innisfail Health Care Center for their constant care, and devotion over the last seven months. A funeral service will be held at the Innisfail United Church on Tuesday April 15, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. As a memorial tribute to Teunis Van Soeren, A tree will be planted in the Tree Memorial Park (Innisfail) by HEARTLAND FUNERAL SERVICES LTD. Innisfail Funeral Home & Crematorium 4415- 49th St. Innisfail Telephone 227-0006