Obituary of van der Laag

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Herman van der Laag, beloved husband of twenty-six years of Margot. Herman was the proud father of Herman Jr. (Nancy), Peter (Steffi), Rob (Ginette), Tom and Liz. Herman is also survived by his grandchildren, Nikki, Kathy and Keegan. Herman was born in Wageningen, Holland fifteen minutes before his twin sister, Lida (predeceased). Herman lived his life bravely and confidently in spite of great adversities; he dealt with problems with determination and remarkable willpower, he rarely lost his winning smile. Herman survived two wars and the horrors of three years in Japanese POW Camps. His dream to have his own family came true when he married Hermien Blom from Doetinchem, Holland in 1947 (predeceased 1978) and had five children. Herman felt deeply the loss of what he felt to be his country, the Dutch East Indies. He overcame the struggles of starting over in Canada in 1954. He worked different jobs and used each skill learned to help new immigrants get established by getting their Trade Papers. Herman became a Chartered Life Insurance Underwriter and stayed with the Northern Life Insurance Company for 23 years. He changed careers by investing in properties. With Margot’s help and much hard work, Herman realized yet another dream, independence and retirement which gave him more time to enjoy reading and travelling. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Tom Baker and the Foothills Medical Centres. Special thanks to the medical, nursing, and support staff at the AgapÚ Hospice who provided exemplary care to Herman and where Margot and the family were surrounded by love and compassion. Funeral Services will be held at MCINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Saturday, December 3, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would appreciate memorial tributes be made directly to the AgapÚ Hospice, 1302 – 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B8 Telephone: (403) 282-6588 or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. In living memory of Herman van der Laag, a tree will be planted by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.