1932-2020
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Malcolm Patrick Van Haeften, our father, grandfather and great-grandfather. On June 20, 2020, with family by his bedside at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Dad passed away peacefully. He leaves us to be with his wife Joyce, the love of his life, who he had missed greatly since her passing in October 2019. He is predeceased by his sister Pamela and brothers Bill and Bob. He is survived by his eldest brother Roland, cousin Guy, sisters-in law, Diane and Edna, and their families.
Both Dad and Mum are truly missed by their children, Elizabeth (Matt), Judy (Steven), Nicholas (Judith), Ruth (Doug), Sarah (Spencer), their grandchildren, Lauren (Roy), Christopher (Jessica), Nathaniel, Lucas (Astrid), Hannah (Justin), Miles (Marla), Nicholas (Emma), Noah (Eliza), Eli (Dahlia), Sam, Jessie (Kate) and Chris. We are grateful that Dad was able to see his great-granddaughter, Lily Elizabeth.
Dad was born in Southern India and had an interesting, adventurous life as a young man. He moved to England to pursue his post secondary studies and while there met and fell in love with Joyce. Malcolm and Joyce were married in 1956 and with their young family of three small children, immigrated to Canada in 1962. In Montreal the family expanded by two more daughters while Dad pursued his career as a Mechanical and Electrical Engineer.
Dad spent many years racing sailboats and treasured the time he spent with family and friends both on and off the water.
Of all the things he did and accomplished in life, it was the time that he spent with his beloved wife, children and grandchildren, both in person and remotely, that truly made him happy. We have so many great memories of summers up at the cottage, the epic Maritime Tour, hiking adventures, skiing, learning to sail (swim) and numerous joyful family gatherings and celebrations.
We are grateful to the staff at Saint Mary’s who took care of Dad for the last six weeks of his life and in particular Dr. Anne-Charlotte Thiffault who treated Dad with great respect and compassion during such a challenging time. A special thank you to the CLSC du Lac. St. Louis and in particular, Mr. Luen Law, for the dignified, kind support that he gave Dad.
In lieu of flowers, both Mum & Dad were long time supporters of Families for Children, a charitable organization that reflected their beliefs and values. https://www.familiesforchildren.ca/support.html
A celebration of Dad’s life will be held at some point in the future, when family and friends can once again gather together.
RÉSIDENCE FUNÉRAIRE J.J. CARDINAL FUNERAL HOME
560 ch. Bord du Lac, Dorval (Québec) H9S 2B3
Tél. : 514-631-1511 | Téléc. : 514-631-1516 | Courriel : info@jjcardinal.ca