Peacefully at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice with his soul mate and love of his life Louise by his side on Friday, July 23, 2021, celebrating 60 years together. Also with him was his devoted and loved daughter Kerry.
Len was loved by so many, he leaves behind to celebrate his life his daughter Kerry Van Daele (David Sparks) of Sault Ste Marie, son Curtis Van Daele of Edmonton, Alberta and his son Brent Van Daele of Victoria, British Columbia. He is predeceased by his beloved daughter Wendy, who he will share a final resting place with. Proud Poppa of Ian (Jenn), Matthew (Crystal), Joshua (Drake), Brenell (Jonathon) and Christopher. Great Poppa of Tianna, Savanna, Madison, Tyson, Ixchel, Kailem, Aleister and Delos. Beloved son of the late Charles and Winnifred Van Daele and step son of the late Alice Van Daele. Dear brother of Jeannine Winch (late Barry), Peter (Jacqueline), Rosemary Sundaram (late Somu), Francis Irving (Mert Alcock), Jimmy (Debbie), Steven and Danny and predeceased by Elsie Dowding (late Clifford), Rodney (Pat) and Christine. Brother-in-law Carol Nolet, Emile Nolet, Linda Roussel (Jack), Theresa Nolet (Gerry Desjardins) and predeceased by Ronald Nolet (Rose Mary) and Larry Nolet (Donna). Len and Louise were instrumental in helping mentor children and teens in the foster care system, they also helped out friends and family who needed a place to stay. There was not a moment that Len did not take as a learning experience and he gave and passed on those values to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He came from a humble beginning, he was born in Prince Township and lived in the Sault area all his life. Dad loved to share stories of his life in the bush camps working on the boats. He was a steel worker at Algoma Steel for many years and he also sold real-estate for Algoma Insurance and Realtor. Dad had a dream and a desire to be the best he could be in this life. He bought old homes and restored them to their original beauty and then it was time to sell and move on to the next house. He was a house flipper long before this was a thing. Mom and dad bought the Downtown Motel which they owned for 10 years and when they sold that it was time to retire and do some travelling. They wintered in Florida and Mexico. He was the most amazing father who taught us to do our own repairs, he instilled his love of nature in us as we took our weekend drives to the bush.There are truly not enough words to describe how he lived his life and how much he was loved. This is a partial quote from my brother Brent "So grateful for time we shared. The skills and wisdom he passed on were crucial for his kids and grandchildren and will continue to enrich his great grandchildren in turn. Through hard work and sacrifice he abided and embodied the meaning of manhood of his age a rock and foundation. A solid man of his word. A diligent provider, fierce protector, and generous host of laughter and fun filled family gatherings. Heartfelt hugs, blessed memories". He leaves a long and full life well lived, filled with love, adventure and travel. Rest easy dad, legends never die.
Friends may visit the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street E. 705-759-2522) on Thursday, July 29, 2021 from 1 pm until 3 pm (masks and social distancing required). Cremation to follow. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) to Phoenix Rising Women's Centre would be appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Van Daele family.