Mr. Adrianus (Adrian) Zegert Willem VanRooyen, age 64 years of Cambrian Cres., passed away unexpectedly upon arrival at hospital on Thursday, April 22, 2004.

Born December 3, 1939 in Harmelen Holland, he immigrated to Canada in 1948 where his family settled in St. Catharines Ontario. When he was 19, he joined the Ministry of Natural Resources which brought him to Northwestern Ontario. Later he worked as a Forest Ranger and Conservation Officer throughout the Northwest. He was the Assistant Superintendent of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and Quetico Provincial Park and in June 1993, he retired as Senior Land Technician. After his "official” retirement, he also worked for Home Hardware and the Boy Scouts of North America.

Adrian had a strong commitment to community life and was involved in numerous activities including the Lion’s Club in Atikokan (Past President), the Library Board, board member of the Economic Development Center and the Barrier Free Committee. Adrian expressed his creativity through numerous indoor and outdoor hobbies including gardening and sketching, and during the last 2 years he found great pride and much happiness in caring for his and Sonja’s Bed and Breakfast and their extensive travels. Adrian will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humour and his great love for family and friends.

He was predeceased by Elizabeth Lynne, his wife of 36 years; his parents Hendrik and Geertruida, and sister Elly DeRooy (Nick).

He is survived by his wife Sonja Marie;
daughter Gena VanRooyen and fiance Jamie Arnott of Hamilton;
son Scott VanRooyen (Monique) of Riviere Qui Barre Alberta;
step-daughters Christie Hartley (Ryan), and Cathie Isaksen (Derek);
father-in-law Carl Nielsen (Annelise);
grandchildren Liam and Keegan VanRooyen and Joshua and Kamryn Hartley;
brothers Henk VanRooyen (Fya) in the Netherlands, and John VanRooyen (Ena) in Barrie;
sister Trudy (Alvin) Smith in St. Catharines.
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Funeral services for the late Adrian VanRooyen will be held on Monday April 26, 2004 at 10:30 am in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Matthew Diegel officiating. Removal will be made from the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma to the church one hour prior to service time. Services complete in the church with cremation to follow. Visitation for friends will be on Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Everest Chapel. If friends so desire, donations to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Salem Lutheran Church Pass Lake, or the Celiac Association would be greatly appreciated.