Owen Van Solkema

January 13, 1958 – April 27, 2019

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather Owen Van Solkema at the age of 61. After a long and courageous battle with cancer he died peacefully at North Okanagan Hospice Society on April 27, 2019.

Owen was born in Enderby, BC on January 13, 1958. Owen was raised with his four siblings on a dairy farm in Grindrod, BC. He always had a special place in his heart for the family farm and the Shuswap River, and eventually moved back to the Grindrod/Enderby area during his final years.

Owen was truly young at heart and had an incredible zest for life. He never wasted a day or an opportunity to make a memory. Owen will be remembered for his sense of humour, love of adventure and dedication to family and friends. Owen enjoyed riding his motorcycle, downhill skiing, ocean fishing in his boat, scuba diving and travelling.

Owen had a love and compassion for animals including his old dogs Goldy and Rusty, his little lapdog Ted (who was not much of a looker and many said only Owen could love a dog like that) and his most recent puppy Toby. Owen loved and prioritized family more than anything and was always looking for a reason and opportunity to come together.

Owen is survived by his partner Brenda of 16 years, sons Cameron (Melinda) and Lloyd (Sally), stepsons Brent (Angie), Evan (Shauna), Ben (Shelly), Richard (Steph), 5 grandchildren Kane, Kylia, Keyara, Travis and Brandon, 15 step grandchildren Calecia, Jayla, Nico, Kyler, Arianna, Aleigha, Jonah, Brielle, Mckenzie, Madelyn, Makaela, Mason, Maleah, Micha, Addison, brothers Louie (Debbie) and Gary (Angela), sisters Sue (Len) and Rita (Paul), nieces and nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held August 24^th at 1:00pm at the Grindrod Park (6290 Highway 97A, Grindrod, BC).

As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made to the North Okanagan Hospice Society (http://nohs.ca).

“Get up and go outside, don’t let the old man in.” – Toby Keith