November 11, 1934 – January 24, 2022
at the age of 87 years:
Memorial Service 11:30 am, February 4, 2022 at Cornerstone Christian Reformed Church, 1191 22nd Street NE, Salmon Arm
With sorrow and rejoicing we announce the passing of Cornelis (Neal) Vandergugten. He follows his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary, who passed away one month earlier on December 24, 2021.
Neal was born in Katwijk, The Netherlands and was the oldest of 8 children born to Diederikus and Hendrika Vandergugten. He immigrated to Burnaby, BC in 1951 at the age of 17 where he soon met Mary. They married on August 31, 1956 and were blessed with 65 years of marriage.
Neal passed away and entered into heavenly glory at the age of 87 years in Salmon Arm, BC. We rejoice that he has been relieved from his broken heart and earthly suffering. He is survived by 4 children Rick (Ludi), Pete (Celia), Larry (Lynn), Marion (Rob) De Boersap; 16 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Kristin (2018) and his beloved wife, Mary (2021).
Dad is best remembered for his love of family, adventure and fishing. He was a skilled craftsman and could build anything from furniture to a house with precision. Dad was a hard worker who built up his own construction company and employed hundreds of people over the years. He was always generous, eagerly sharing the bounty God had blessed him with. Dad loved to sing in church choir and the men’s chorus and he was renowned for his beautiful whistling. He and mom loved to travel and spent months exploring BC, the Territories, the western States and Mexico. Dad was so thankful to God for blessing him with his beloved wife for 65 years and was eager to join Mom in glory.
Dad – Grampy will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank all the healthcare workers at Interior Health Home Support and Shuswap Lake General Hospital who so lovingly cared for dad in his illness and last days. Special thanks to Dr. Alison Howatt for her care and compassion over the last 17 years.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to World Vision.
I spent a lot of time in the Vandergugten home in my teens. Neil (curly) and Mary played a big part in my life as I was growing up. I was a brother from another mother. I am very grateful for Neil and Mary’s caring heart when I lost my father at 11. They took me on several fishing trips on weekends and also some 2 week stints at their lovely place in blind bay. Very fond memories. I wish you all Gods bountiful comfort during this difficult time of loss
Though I only know Marion and Rob, God’s strength and comfort to the whole family. What a legacy Neal left, reminding me of Jesus’ parable about the Kingdom of Heaven: “Well done my good and faithful servant… Let’s celebrate together!” (Matt. 25:23)
It was my privilege to have known both Neal and Mary. Their love for one another was a testament to marriage and I know Neal will be happy to rejoin Mary.
Fond memories of Neal welcoming me to Canada from Australia and allowing me to be part of his family for 6 months. Rest In Peace.
Sorry for your loss of your parents. They were wonderful neighbors and friends to me and my husband at RCB. NEal had the greatest twinkle in his eye as he greeted you. And Mary with her gentle soul was a loyal friend.
Your parents were a big part of the RCB family. The last few years we’d bring them the rub for ribs…they loved their ribs. They volunteered for pretty much everything over the years. They will be missed but we will cherish the memories. Rob and Carol Hill
Our sincere condolences to all of you, Rick and Ludy, Pete and Celia, Larry and Lynn, Marion andRob.May you all be comforted by the knowledge of Christ s promises which your parents believed in. One day we will all meet again❤