Obituary of John Van Kampen

On April 24, 2018 Dad/Opa passed away peacefully at Diamond House Personal Care Home in Warman, Saskatchewan at the age of 93.
Dad was born on February 25, 1925 in Gruenfeld, Southern Russia to Sophie & Johann Von Kampen.  He had an older sister Anni, younger brother Peter and two adopted brothers, Nick and Paul who were orphaned while in Russia.  
In 1947 Dad along with his mother and siblings immigrated  to Canada arriving at Blumenort, Manitoba through the generous sponsorship of the Rempel Family. Dad made it his goal to learn English as soon as possible and within a short time was working for Redekopp Electric in Winnipeg, Manitoba becoming a journeyman electrician within 3 years.  
Dad married Helen Rempel, the love of his life, on July 1, 1950.  After spending a few years developing Red River Electric in Winnipeg, Dad and his business partner decided to make their way to Saskatchewan with their young families and formed Mid West Electric.  He was always very proud that in the early years Mid West helped electrify rural Saskatchewan and continued to grow to be a very successful company.
Mom and Dad had four children, Vern (deceased in 1975) Ron, Julie & Teresa.  They both loved to travel and ventured to such tropical destinations as Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica and Florida.  After Dad retired in 1987 they took more extensive vacations to Europe, Australia and the South Pacific.  
Dad loved the cottage/home at Blackstrap Lake where he enjoyed gardening, fishing, swimming, waterskiing and socializing with their great group of Blackstrap/Dundurn friends. Most of all, Dad loved family time surrounded by love, laughter, and great food and wine.  
Dad continued to live at Blackstrap for 11 years after Mom’s passing in 1994,  and in 2005 he made the move to Saskatoon and Condo living.  Dad was fortunate to meet Dorothy, his constant companion of 23 years. They continued to enjoy playing cards, dominos, going to movies and dinners out, entertaining family and friends and frequent trips to Kelowna and Moose Jaw.  Dorothy and her family became an extension of our own family and we are forever grateful for that relationship.  
Dad’s health started to fail in 2016 but he insisted that he wanted to stay in his condo at Fremai Tower.  This past November he finally agreed to make the move to his new home at Diamond House Personal Care Home in Warman.  This transition was not an easy one, but over the months he grew to love the care staff and the beautiful surroundings of Diamond House.  
Dad/Opa will be lovingly remembered by his son, Ron (Dawna) Van Kampen of Kelowna, and their children Karla(Jeromey) Allan and great grandchildren Helena and Jaedyn, Michelle (Dan), Sarah, and Jordan, his daughter Julie (Blake) Pitts of Moose Jaw and their sons Jonathan(Bryde) and Matthew(Kristyn) and his daughter Teresa(Tess) Van Kampen (Terry), his companion Dorothy Sader and her family, his brother Peter (Irene) Von Kampen and their children Mark and Kirsten and their families,  Cousin Paul (Marlene) Neustaedter and their son Carl and family and many in-laws, nieces and nephews on the Rempel side.  
Dad was predeceased by his parents, wife Helen, son Vern, sister Anni, cousin Nick, and many brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws on the Rempel, Neustaedter and Fast Side.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dad’s physician of many years, Dr. Gericke, the Seniors First Team/Home Care and the staff at Diamond House Personal Care Home for the amazing care, love and support.  
The Funeral Service will be held at Nutana Park Mennonite Church, 1701 Ruth St, Saskatoon on Saturday, May 5th at 1:30 p.m. Donations in memory of John can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee (600 45th St W, Saskatoon, S7L 5W9). Condolences for the family may be left at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com  Arrangements have been entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME (306)244-5577.