Nicholas Kleyn

September 6, 1928 – January 4, 2013

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nick Kleyn, after a lengthy, hard-fought battle with congestive heart failure.   Nick is survived by his loving wife, Corrie of Penticton, his 4 children: Trudy (Ron), Ella (Bruce), Nick (Monica) and Jacqueline (Gord), 7 grandchildren (Curtis, Corissa, Sean, Jennifer, Josh, Krista, and Alida) and one great-grandchild, Kevin. Also left to cherish his memory are his brother Jan, and his sisters Tina, Alie and Clara, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and families, who all reside in Holland. He was predeceased by his brother Gerard and his sister Jo.   Born in Alphen a/d Rijn, Holland, Nick served in the Indonesian War, trained in Horticulture and then immigrated to Oliver, B.C. in 1953, marrying his fiancé Corrie in December when she came from Holland to join him there.  Nick was a hard worker over the years and established a very successful vegetable farm acreage in Oliver. Once retired in 1988, Nick and Corrie moved to Penticton, where Nick remained passionate about gardening, keeping a large vegetable garden and a yard filled with beautiful flowers. Nick enjoyed playing golf during his retirement, and playing music on his organ. He appreciated nature and enjoyed watching the birds at their feeders. Always young at heart, he had a great sense of humour, and his determination through thick and thin was incredible. Nick truly was one of a kind, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.   A special thank you to Dr. DeKock, and many thanks to Dr. Ashton and Dr. Rich for their ongoing care of Nick over many years. Also, thank you for the care given by Dr. Delorme and Dr. Forzley.   An Evening prayer service will be held at St. Ann’s Parish in Penticton on Wednesday Jan. 9, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.   A Catholic funeral mass will be held at St. Ann’s Parish in Penticton on Thursday Jan. 10, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Mass will be celebrated by Father Rex Velmonte. A reception will follow in the church hall, hosted by the C.W.L.   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation.  Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com   Service arrangements entrusted to Nunes – Pottinger Funeral Service.