Dyk Cornelius Antonius “Case” Van

A life well lived. On June 22nd, 2017 Cornelius Antonius van Dyk, (Case), passed away surrounded by the presence and love of his wife and 9 children. Our individual sorrow is eased by the profound gratitude that we all feel for having had such a wonderful man in our lives for so long. The joyful memories, wise council and loving family that remains is his legacy.
Born in Wijk by Duurstede, the Netherlands on May 1, 1931, he was raised in war time Europe and enjoyed an adventurous childhood with his 3 brothers and 5 sisters. Immigrating to Canada in 1954 with his bride and loving partner of 63 years, Riek (Spithoven), they landed at Pier 21 and then on to Caledonia. There he would pursue his passions for agriculture, business, and community while raising a large loving family. His unique combination of work ethic, stubborn determination, and playful sense of humour would lead to much success.
Very proud of and dedicated to his local community, he served as Queens County Municipal Councillor & Deputy Warden, School Board Director & Board Chair; President of: St. Jerome’s Parish Council, County Federation of Agriculture, & Board of Trade. He also served as President of the Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia and numerous other agricultural committees.
Case received many awards and recognitions throughout his career but there were a few for which he was most proud. Recognition from his agriculture peers through the NS Institute of Agrologists Farm Family of the Year Award and his induction into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame were treasured awards. In business his favourites were the World Juice Congress Innovation Award for his Outstanding Wild Blueberry Juice and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Very much a family man, Case proudly followed the achievements of his children and grandchildren and sincerely appreciated the unique character and strengths of each. He is survived by his wife Riek, children, Gerry (Bev), Anne Selig (Glen), Jeannie (John McLellan), Anthony (Paula Luxton), John, Bernadette McIntosh (Mike), Peter (Kim), Leo (Sonya Dudka) and Charles (Tammy Ingram), 20 grandchildren, Mya, Adrien, Kim, Amanda, Luke, Connie, Casey, Kristen, Jessica, Rachael, Shawn, Owen, Nicholas, Nichole, Jacob, Delayne, Jaggar, Holland, Chandler, Daniel, and 5 great grandsons, Tucker, Quinn, Grey, Jack & Vance.
He is survived by 3 sisters and 3 brothers in the Netherlands, and 1 sister, Riek Blom, Quebec. He was predeceased by his parents Gerard & Adriana van Dyk, infant son Paul, infant great grandson Josiah, and sister Sjeane.
Visitation will be held 6:30- 9:00pm on Monday, June 26, 2017 at Chandlers’ Funeral Home in Liverpool. A Liturgy of the Word Service will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 2:00 pm. at North Queens Fire Hall & Community Hub, Caledonia. Father Jack Farrell officiating. A private family committal will take place in St. Jerome’s Catholic Cemetery, West Caledonia. Reception will be held in the North Queens Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Queens Medical Center, or North Queens Fire Department.
Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com