Obituary of Tony Van den Eynden
Antonius Wilhelmus (Tony) Van den Eynden, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 24, 2019.
Tony was born August 14, 1926 in Lierop, the Netherlands. At 16 years old he first laid eyes on Antonia Maria Cornelia Van Brussel when she was brought to the front of the class for misbehaving. He said “dat is het meisje voor mij” (that’s the girl for me). It was 6 years before she agreed with his opinion. They married February 7, 1953. They immigrated to Canada shortly after and settled in Pictou County where they raised 7 children. Tony began his career in Canada with typical Dutch work ethic, as a farmer by day and coal miner by night. He ended his working career at Michelin Tire, where he spent 20 years and earned the respect of many new friends. Out of necessity he mastered many skills to provide for his family including carpenter, mechanic, electrician, plumber, horse groomer, gardener extrordinaire, card player, cook, chauffeur, organizer of family outings, prankster and all around good samaritan. He was well known for his famous Dutch pancakes, homemade bread and BBQ. Dad and Mom always opened their home to all and it was always a great place for our friends to hang out, with a promise to have something good to eat. Their home was also the Canadian base for many visits by Dutch realtives. Dad could fix anything and always came to the aid of others. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. As Mom always said, she had everything she wanted...”she had a good man.” Our father came here as a hard working Dutch immigrant and died as a proud Canadian. He taught us many things but most meaningful was to be kind and to help others.
Tony is survived by his wife Marie, sons Marty, Abercrombie, Anthony (Charmaine), Sundridge, John (Cathy), Stellarton and Gary, Pictou and by his daughters Chris (Eugene MacLean) Granton, Anne-Marie, Little Harbour, Liz (Rob Roy) Kings Head, and eight grandchildren Shawn, Jeremy, Trevor, Tiffany, Whitney, Jacob, Ryan and Emily. Dad was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Special thanks to our sister Anne-Marie for her devotion and tender care to Dad. He was able to stay in his own home, with Mom at his side until the end. Thanks also to all his care givers and the caring folks at the VON.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Eagles Funeral Home, Westville. By his wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. If you wish to make a donation in Dad’s memory please remember the VON and the local SPCA.
Dad always said, “life was copacetic” The fish at North Branch Lake can now rest easy.