Obituary of James Marinus VanderLinden

October 30, 1987 – Calgary, Alberta

December 4, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Our beloved James Marinus VanderLinden of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the age of 37 years, of an undetermined cause. He leaves to mourn his partner, Amber Kaulback, and her daughter Kelly; his father Ray, mother Patti, and brother Brodie VanderLinden, all of Calgary, AB.

He's survived by his uncle Tony VanderLinden (Kathy), cousins, Kim VanderLinden and Kori Wesson (Mike), and their families, all of Saskatoon, SK; and his aunt Darlene Campbell of St. Albert, AB.

He's also survived by his aunt Gail Rennick (Peter) of Halifax, NS, and aunt Susan Jolliffe (Bill) of Ottawa, ON; cousins Keltie Chapman (Doug) of Ottawa, and Tom Jolliffe (Liz) of Toronto, ON; uncle Tom Rennick (Laurie, Nam), and cousins James and Danny Rennick, and their families all of Ottawa.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Ray and Tinie VanderLinden, and James and Marion Rennick; as well as his uncles, Glen Campbell and Jack Rennick.

James graduated from Ernest Manning High School and became a talented machinist and small engine repair specialist at D&W Custom Engine Specialties, and worked in construction, landscaping, and auto repair. James could create, fix, or give great advice on just about anything—he could MacGyver it all. He was a kind, smart, hardworking man, the first to lend a hand, a loving partner, son, relative, and friend. He loved to build, tinker, and fix.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to a charity of your choice—James had a keen sense of compassion and justice, especially for the vulnerable (he suffered from ongoing injuries from an accident himself but soldiered on). This included a love of animals, especially their beloved cat Bandit.

A Celebration of James’ Life will be held at a later date.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with James’s family here.

In living memory of James VanderLinden, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.