Obituary for Wim Johan van Blommestein
Wim Johan van Blommestein
29 January 1941 - Sungei Penu, Sumatra
29 March 2023 - Calgary, Alberta
Wim has set his burdens down and is free to roam the Universe. Parkinson’s defeated his body, at first slowly and then quickly, but it never defeated his mind. He remained caring, considerate and kind right to the end.
Wim was born in Indonesia, the middle of three children, and moved to Holland as a boy. Ever keen for a new adventure and a fresh perspective, he emigrated to Canada in 1967, supporting his young family by working as a draftsman by day and a taxi driver by night. He loved to see the world, and his stellar reputation in the oil and gas industry earned him many opportunities: Australia, Bulgaria, Yemen, Maleo, Hungary, Gabon, Dubai, Malaysia and of course, Regina. Wherever he went, he made friendships that spanned decades. Work brought him to far off places, and he explored them with curiosity and openness. His collection of maps, treasures, photos, and gifts received on his travels was impressive. Wim could tell stories of the people he met and adventures he had - his memory was sharp.
When he wasn’t working, Wim loved fishing - no body of water was passed without at least a cursory assessment of its potential - and he especially enjoyed long weekends on Kootenay Lake and deepwater fishing from Campbell River. Other loves included horseback riding and hiking in the Kananaskis, scuba diving in Thailand and the Philippines, and flying small planes. He dreamed of owning his own sailboat. Later in life, he made plans to retire in the Philippines, but ultimately returned home to Calgary. Wim cared so much for his family and did what he could with what he had.
Wim had friends and family in Calgary and across the world, particularly in the Netherlands and Australia. He was predeceased by his parents, Joop and Louise. Wim will be missed with much love by his children, Erane and Jeff and their spouses; his granddaughters, Christine and Maren; his brother and sister; and his nieces, nephews and their families.
His family would like to thank his team at AHS Home Care and the staff at Intercare Chinook Care Centre. We know you went above and beyond for Wim, and we are truly grateful.
He was humble and did not fully appreciate how many lives he touched and how deeply he was respected, but we will always remember.
A Private Family Service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wim’s memory to Parkinson Association of Alberta.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Wim, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
29 January 1941 - Sungei Penu, Sumatra
29 March 2023 - Calgary, Alberta
Wim has set his burdens down and is free to roam the Universe. Parkinson’s defeated his body, at first slowly and then quickly, but it never defeated his mind. He remained caring, considerate and kind right to the end.
Wim was born in Indonesia, the middle of three children, and moved to Holland as a boy. Ever keen for a new adventure and a fresh perspective, he emigrated to Canada in 1967, supporting his young family by working as a draftsman by day and a taxi driver by night. He loved to see the world, and his stellar reputation in the oil and gas industry earned him many opportunities: Australia, Bulgaria, Yemen, Maleo, Hungary, Gabon, Dubai, Malaysia and of course, Regina. Wherever he went, he made friendships that spanned decades. Work brought him to far off places, and he explored them with curiosity and openness. His collection of maps, treasures, photos, and gifts received on his travels was impressive. Wim could tell stories of the people he met and adventures he had - his memory was sharp.
When he wasn’t working, Wim loved fishing - no body of water was passed without at least a cursory assessment of its potential - and he especially enjoyed long weekends on Kootenay Lake and deepwater fishing from Campbell River. Other loves included horseback riding and hiking in the Kananaskis, scuba diving in Thailand and the Philippines, and flying small planes. He dreamed of owning his own sailboat. Later in life, he made plans to retire in the Philippines, but ultimately returned home to Calgary. Wim cared so much for his family and did what he could with what he had.
Wim had friends and family in Calgary and across the world, particularly in the Netherlands and Australia. He was predeceased by his parents, Joop and Louise. Wim will be missed with much love by his children, Erane and Jeff and their spouses; his granddaughters, Christine and Maren; his brother and sister; and his nieces, nephews and their families.
His family would like to thank his team at AHS Home Care and the staff at Intercare Chinook Care Centre. We know you went above and beyond for Wim, and we are truly grateful.
He was humble and did not fully appreciate how many lives he touched and how deeply he was respected, but we will always remember.
A Private Family Service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wim’s memory to Parkinson Association of Alberta.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Wim, please visit www.choicememorial.com.