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R. A. 'Loek' Van Der Meulen

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December 23, 1938 - December 26, 2021

R. A. (Loek) van der Meulen passed away on December 26, 2021, at Tudor Manor in Okotoks, at the age of 83 years. Our hearts are heavy, but we are relieved to know that he is now at peace and free to join his three brothers, and his sister who predeceased him in the Netherlands.

Loek is survived by his wife Joan, children Roel and Esther van der Meulen, and his two stepdaughters Sarah (Chris) ter Keurs, and Brenda (Aaron) Morton. Loek was especially proud to be called Opa to six amazing grandchildren, ages 13 to 19.

Born and raised in the Netherlands, Loek worked in the family construction company, building hundreds of houses as the country rebuilt after World War II. In 1979 Loek, along with a brother and their immediate families immigrated to Canada and settled in Calgary.

Loek understood the value of hard work, and in his retirement purchased the “In Cahoots Bar and Grill” in Okotoks in 2001. For 14 years he lovingly oversaw that operation, meeting and greeting the patrons with true Dutch hospitality.

In 2007, Loek and Joan relocated to High River where they felt they would benefit from the slower pace of small-town life. Loek always put his home and family first; he took great pride in his garden and loved to go RV’ing to the Kannanaskis and West Coast area. He and Joan were grateful to be able to periodically get away for vacations to visit family in Holland as well as spend leisure time in Mexico, Dominican Republic, and cruising through the Carribbean.

Over the past few years Loek’s health deteriorated, requiring his move to Tudor Manor in 2018. Unexpectedly, Loek experienced a severe stroke before Christmas and just wasn’t strong enough to recover. The family realized the time had come for Loek to join his beloved family in Heaven.

Our sincere appreciation is extended to Dr. C. Hoggard and the staff at Tudor Manor, Nottingham Unit for their excellent and compassionate care over the past three years, and especially during his end-of-life journey.

A private service celebrating Loek’s life was held at the High River United Church on Wednesday, December 29, 2021.
To send condolences and view Loek’s Tribute Page please visit www.lylereeves.com. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

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