In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
Ken served in the Navy from 1958 to 01 Jan 1969
Harold Kenneth “Ken” Van Wyngaarden passed away on May 10, 2020, in Spruce Grove, Alberta, from a short bout with cancer. He was born 24 September 1940 in Toronto, Ontario, to Helen Rita (Cochrane) and Harold Van Wyngaarden. He married Eva Catharine Despres in 1961 in Shediac, New Brunswick, and after her death married Olive Eleanor Kabatoff in 1990 in Spruce Grove.
Ken enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1958 and served on six ships, beginning with HMCS Cap de la Madeline. He worked as an Electrician’s Mate, and after basic training, he returned to school to obtain his trade group 1, 2 and 3. Before he was discharged in 1969, he swam and dived competitively for the Navy and won several trophies and served on the commissioning crew as an AB.LM aboard the HMCS Provider. After leaving the Navy, Ken worked at various jobs including Westinghouse, ending with General Electric of Canada (GE) until he retired in 2000. After retiring, he started his own business, Gen West Enterprises, and contracted back to GE for four years.
From his first marriage, Ken produced seven children: Kathy Hawryliw, Susan Albert, Ron Van Wyngaarden, Kenny Van Wyngaarden, Nicole Despres, Lynn Van Wyngaarden and John Van Wyngaarden. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife and son Kenny. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, 6 children, 5 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He also leaves 2 sisters, Gail Taylor of California, and Susan Childress of Tennessee.
Ships served in: HMCS PROVIDER - Commissioning crew as an AB.LM
(HVW01-HVW02) Electrician's Mate Harold Van Wyngaarden
(HVW03-HVW04) Ships in HMC Dockyard Halifax - HMCS RESTIGOUCHE 257 forward group of ships, outboard (HVW05) Course photo at HMCS STADACONA (HVW06) Ship's Company Photo - HMCS RESTIGOUCHE 257
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