Wilhem (Bill) Marinus de Haan passed peacefully in his sleep on January 16, 2025 after 88 years of a well lived life. 

Bill was born April 27, 1936 in central Amsterdam to Joanna and Johan de Haan as the second of three siblings.  His childhood and schooling took place during the difficult times of World War II.  At fourteen he had started his apprenticeship in a wall paper company working in the office.  He excelled in the office but also was table tennis campion in the company’s recreational room during lunch hour.

At 22 he met his future wife Johanna (Hannie) Bakker which he married in May of 1958 and due to housing shortage left Holland four days later and emigrated to Canada.  Settling in Winnipeg, Manitoba his first job was clerk in a grocery store where he learned to speak English but not without a few mishaps with translation.

While in Winnipeg Bill and Hannie welcomed their first son Richard in 1959 and second son Steve in 1962. With improved english skills and a talent for sales Bill worked for Standard Brands as a sales rep, at which he excelled.  In 1968 he was transferred to the Vancouver office and the family settled in Port Coquitlam.  Many fond memories living on Langan Ave and hosting parties.

In 1973  Bill changed jobs and worked for Bristol Myers  where he eventually became Western Sales Manager.  At … he received the golden hand shake but still dabbled with odd jobs. One job which many stories were told was a cook on a coastguard boat, and the funny thing is he could not make toast much less cook but he was up for the challenge and everyone came home alive.

Bill and Hannie loved to travel and for many years would travel to Mexico in their 5th wheel to a spot on the ocean where they made many friends.  After driving became to much cruising became their new favorite holiday and enjoyed visiting many countries and meeting new people along the way.  Bill had a great sense of humor and was always the favorite at the captain’s table.

Bill is survived by Hannie his wife of 67 years, his son Richard, grand daughters’ Maia and Katrina, great grandson Finch, son Steve, daughter in-law Erin, grand daughter Alex and grandson Aidan.  Survived by brother Joop and many nephews and nieces in Holland.

Celebration of his life will be held in Holland.