Condolences
My wife and I were lucky enough to be invited to a number of charitable fund raising dinners by Sandi and her father Tony, where we got to know and converse with Kay, Stephen and Eleanor, Conrad and Jade.
We are so sorry to hear of his passing, but also know he lived a very full and accomplished life, generously sharing his success with those around him.
Blessings to Tony's family and friends, and to all who know and love them.
Kim, Maggie and Scott
I first met Tony in the summer of 1962, I was a lease hand on Jennings Rig #4 and Tony was the Field Superintendent. He made sure to introduce himself and find out who I was. Needless to say, we would become associated through our lives up until I last talked to to Tony a couple of years ago at the "Oldtimers" event of the Calgary Oilfield Technical Society held the last Friday of April each year.
My career with CAODC and PITS had Tony and I crossing paths many times working along side Tony on various projects for the improvement of the Oilwell Drilling Industry. He was truly an advocate for upgrading training, both technical and financial. Working with Tony and or his designates was truly a pleasure and rewarding as Tony's commitment was ever presence. As Walt Gabert, Executive Director of PITS 63 to 78 said Tony had an incredible thirst for knowledge!
I was very saddened by learning of his passing but I am blessed that I was associated with such a fine Man! My condolences to his family! A memory deeply cherished.
Best Regards,
Les J Evans
To Kay & family: We were so sorry to hear of Tony's passing. He was a good friend and an excellent individual. Linda & Doug Church
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May time heal your hearts and wonder memories smile upon you.
Annemike van der Meiden, oldest daughter of Anne van der Meiden
Wednesday the 26th of August my father Anne talked to Tony and thanks to social media they could actually see each other. That is: my father is not that clear in his head anymore as he sufferd a brain haemorraghe in 2017 and as he is used to putting a phone near the ear, Tony has looked at Anne's cheek throughout the call. But it was good that they spoke with one another as they were best friends for so many years.
Through the years, as my brother Willem already wrote, there were many moments of contact between our families. Right after my mum died in 1982, at the very early age of 51 years, Tony came over to Meerkerk and supported us in our grief. Later, when my father was busy translating the Bible into Twents and wanting to publish it, Tony donated money and said afterwards that he slightly regretted it, as he had to earn that money back again!
In 2009 we had many moments together at our reunion in Hattem. I will post pictures of that event. My youngest son Jannes had learned some tricks with cards etc. and was willing to show them to Tony if he would pay. Tony answered: either you become a genius or you will become a crook. Jannes remembers this moment still with pleasure. I have a picture of that moment too!
As Tony was used to driving cars with automatic light he had problems with the little Dutch car he was driving in 2009. The battery emptied several times as Tony forgot to turn off the light.
Last year, Marinus, my husband and I went on a sentimental tour to Canada, as it was 45 years ago since I first came to Canada and met the Vandenbrink family. It was great to be back in Calgary, visiting and staying with Marinus' family (den Oudsten) and mine: Neil, Nadege, Tim, Elise and the little ones: Elliot and Theo.
We had a wonderful luch with Tony and Kay at the Club and later a bbq dinner indoors at Tony and Kay's house. I think Kay thought I have a young daughter (Renske is 28 years old now) as she gave me a young girls quilt which I will keep untill maybe someday I will become a grandmother. It was so nice to meet Sandi and Steve and his family after so many years.
About lunch at the Club on the golfresort: for many years I took my father in law, who lived in Breda for lunches to all the golfresorts around Breda: good food and fresh air!
I will always remember Tony with warm thoughts and wish to stay in contact with the family.
My sincere sympathy to Tony's family. I knew Tony primarily through the golf club and also by his sterling reputation in business. Tony was an inspiration to me and to so many others. He was a strong and vital man: his firm handshake was indicative of his strong character and unquestioned integrity. Tony was a kind and sincere individual and was a real gentleman; truly a great guy!
Gecondoleerd met het verlies van Tony. We wensen jullie heel veel sterkte in deze moeilijke tijd.
Anneloes & Stefan Geerink (kleindochter van Jennie Selderhuis)
Dear family, with grief but with great gratitude we remember the life of Tony Vanden Brink, oldest friend of our father Anne van der Meiden. Tony was part of the Van der Meiden family honoris causa, visited us a lot of times in Holland, even when he was staying in France for business. He attended family reunions when he was in Europe and shared memories of the old days in Enschede. I personally remember very well Tony challenging me for a run over 2 miles. He was 42, I was 18 and he won easily. He was always gentle, funny and interested in everyone he met. In love and wishing you strength dealing with this loss. We have always enjoyed reading the long christmas letters. Jantien & Willem
Gecondoleerd en we denken aan jullie, veel sterkte samen.
Jenny en Arend Selderhuis-Altena
Brenda en Max Hardiek-Selderhuis
On behalf of all the Maas and manna grada altena neekruse families we share in the sorrow of the loss of our father Maas,s cousin Tony please accept our condolences
Having arrived from Enschede ourselves in 1952 we shared the same immigrant experiences
The older vandenbrink brothers were like our uncles really as we had as kids only Jo Fikkert
And Tony and Kay often brought me to red deer from Edmonton in summer of 1952 to visit his younger brothers Ben and Dirk and then return at 90 miles per hour back to Edmonton Monday mornings !
We lived on the Archibald farm house on Burnt Lake road fall of ‘52
All our lives we received the blessings of close personal relations with Tony Kay and all the Vandenbrinks
God keep us all in his care and sustain us
John and Phyllis jean Altena new Haupt
Auntie Kay, Paul (Leah), Stephen (Eleanor) and Sandi
Uncle Tony was an inspiration to many in business, while his care for and concern for family was seen in very tangible yet humble ways.
I personally appreciated his faith when we spoke just last week and he said he did not know if he would recover but he said the Lord knew and that was good enough for him! This legacy of faith from the VandenBrink family has and will continue to bring glory to God.
All my love and sincerest condolences.
Miriam (Ray) Weibel
It was with sadness upon hearing the passing of Tony. He was good man, a husband, father and grandfather. He had a great sense of humor and it was a pleasure knowing him. Our sympathy and prayers go out to the family. He will be missed and always
remembered.
Bonnie and John
Dear Kay and Family,
I wanted to express my deepest condolences to you and your family. I have very fond memories of Tony from when we first immigrated to Canada. He certainly was one of my mom's (Ineke) favourite cousins, and I always appreciated the love and support he gave my mom when she battled cancer. She was very touched by the support she received from both Tony and Kay, and it is something I am forever grateful for. I always enjoyed Tony's company, and loved chatting with him as his mannerisms and kindness reminded me so much of my grandfather (his uncle) Jan Dijks. Again I wanted to express my condolences to all the family, he will be missed by all.
Best Wishes, Marion Yun (Bruining), Jimmy and Jasmin Yun
Dear Kay and Vanden Brink family,
It is indeed with sadness to read of Tony's passing. Tony occupied a large place in many ways, and was a model for each and all of us in business, as well as the greater community.
Tony, rest well, a race well run!
We will remember Tony, with fondness and appreciation for a life well lived, each of us can hold Tony as an example, of perseverance and loyalty to hold dear. Our thoughts of sadness be with the extended family as he truly was a remarkable man.
The Wagenaars
Mrs. Vanden Brink and Family,
On behalf of everyone at the Calgary Petroleum Club I want to convey our most sincere condolence.
Mr. Vanden Brink was a stellar gentleman, and his contributions to our city, country and to our club will leave an important legacy.
Please know that we care.
Toni-Marie
on behalf of many
I'm saddened to hear of Tony's passing. His ability to value each and every employee, their efforts and their opinions made him and KENTING a joy to work for. I recall him gathering the entire staff in the boardroom on Friday afternoons to firstly share his week's business (often confidential) and then to hear opinions from us. It has served me well to pattern my own career after this "Mr. Brink" management style. This week I've lost my hero and have no doubt that I am not alone in that regard. My condolences to Kay and family.
Ron Lefebvre
Dear Kay:
My condolences to you and your family. I read in this mornings paper that Tony died on Tuesday. He will be deeply missed by all at Grace. I pray that the Lord will comfort you during such painful loss.
Love in Christ,
Jean Clelland
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