It is with great sadness the family announces the unexpected passing of Cornelis (Casey) Van Diest on September 19, 2021 at the age of 83 in his home.
Casey was born in Den Haag, Holland on June 11, 1938 to Elizabeth and Cornelis Van Diest. He came to Canada at the age of 18 to live with his aunt and uncle in Thunder Bay.
Casey started working for Thunder Bay Harbour Improvements as a welder and deep-sea diver and then later on worked for Le Brun Construction as a welder/foreman up until retirement.
He enjoyed fishing, gardening and woodworking. There was nothing that Casey couldn’t build or fix. He was very active in the community and loved his family and friends and would do anything for them, always there to lend a helping hand.
Casey is survived by his loving wife Valerie of 60 years, his daughter Michelle, as well as many brother/sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, both in and out of town.
He is predeceased by his parents, in-laws and other family members.
As per Casey’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private Celebration of Life and Interment will take place in spring 2022 at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
If family and friends so desire, donations in memory of Casey may be made to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Thunder Bay and District Humane Society.
