Tribute

Cornelis Johannes (Neil) Galesloot
March 28, 1937 – April 2, 2012

A Salute to Neil Galesloot:
a brief history and time of his life.

Neil was born in Utrecht, Holland on March 28, 1937. On October 22, 1956, he married Dora V.D. Wacht. At ages 21 and 20, they began their journey leaving the Netherlands on June 19th, 1958 to Canada. They settled in Vancouver where they started a family with their first child, Corinne, born on August 28, 1958. Neil and Dora had four children, Corinne, Mike, Fred, and Dora, all within five years of arriving to Canada.

Neil had a great work ethic, and within two years became a permanent employee for the University of B.C. (UBC) physical plant, where he was employed as a heavy equipment operator for 38 years, starting in 1960.

In Neil”s middle years he had two great passions: sailing and gardening. Neil loved sailing their 30-foot Alberg named the “Zeevogel” (“Seabird”) cruising local West Coast waters. He was one with the universe, lived every moment wide open, and learned to be still with his soul. But greater than these passions was the “love” of his life — Dora! They were inseparable, perfect soul mates, and experienced life together as one unit.

Neil and Dora settled in Abbotsford after retirement. The Zeevogel was replaced with “RVing”, where they took many trips within the province of BC and along the USA west coast. Neil took-up gardening in a big way, and was very proud when his backyard garden was selected for wedding photography.

Neil is predeceased by his parents Johannes and Cornelia. Neil is survived by his wife, Dora; children Corinne (Marvin), Mike, Fred (Shelley), and Dora (Victor); and five grandchildren Adam (Katie), Jesse, Ian, Brittany, and Wesley.

Neil will always be remembered as a kind and gentle soul by his family and friends. Memories of Neil will keep him close to us in spirit and thought and always in our hearts, today and forever.

We Can’t Believe You’re Gone
By Joanna Fuchs

Dad, our sadness knows no end;
We can’t believe you’re gone;
We’re grieving for you every day;
It’s hard to carry on.
You were always there
to support and care,
When we needed a true friend,
How we’ll ever do without our dad,
We cannot comprehend.
You were our teacher and our guide,
Our dad, so good and strong;
Your example will sustain us now,
And last our whole lives long.
We’re trying to communicate;
We hope that you can hear;
Expressing what we feel for you,
Helps us feel you’re near.
Our memories of the times we had
Help the pain to go away.
But Dad, our lives won’t be the same;
We’ll miss you every day.
A part of us went with you;
You left a gap too big to fill;
You’re our father and our hero;
We love you and we always will.