Cornelis (Kees/Casey) Hendrikus Nuyten

Cornelis Hendrikus “Kees/Casey” Nuyten
1929 – 2020

Cornelis Hendrikus (Kees/Casey) Nuyten of West Kelowna passed away on February 15, 2020 at the age of 90.  He will join his beloved wife of 59 years, Antonia (Anne) who passed away in September of 2015.

Casey was born in Tilburg, Netherlands on March 17, 1929.  At the age of 22, Casey came to Canada to begin a new life.  Casey worked in Prince Rupert, Vancouver, Montreal, and North Vancouver.  While in Montreal, Casey met and fell in love with Anne Van Doorn.  They were married in Granby, Quebec on May 12, 1956.

In the summer of 1957, Casey and Anne moved to North Vancouver where Casey accepted a position at Hooker Chemicals as a chlorine operator.  Casey was very involved with the opening of this chemical plant.  He was very active in the OCAW union and served as local president for many years.  Eventually, Casey became a shift supervisor and then worked in human relations until he retired in 1986.

Casey’s hard work and ability earned him much respect at his place of work.  He had an uncanny knowledge and understanding of how the chemical plant produced chlorine and caustic soda and he was acutely aware of the risks associated with producing these dangerous substances.  Casey strived to make the plant safe and this led him to take an active role in his local union.  Casey was always forthright and never afraid to speak out.  He was a skilled and tenacious negotiator.

Casey and Anne lived in Surrey for 35 years where they raised their three children.  Casey was a supportive, devoted husband and father.  He cared deeply about his family’s welfare and happiness.  Casey cherished his role as Opa and often spoke of how special the relationships with his grandchildren were.

Casey had a keen interest for provincial, national and international politics.  He loved to play cards.  Casey had a beautiful singing voice, was artistic and a phenomenal storyteller.  In his youth, Casey excelled as a soccer player.  When Holland was liberated, Casey’s family billeted several Canadian soldiers.  From that time on, Casey had a strong love for Canadians and for Canada.

Casey will be missed by all who knew him.  Casey leaves to mourn, his daughters, Wilma (Hugh) Macdougall, Yolande (Steve) Heggie, and son Terry (Karin) Nuyten.  He will be very missed by his grandchildren, Aaron and Madison Heggie, Cameron and Alexander Macdougall, and Amanda and Nicole Nuyten.  Casey will be much missed by his sisters, Theadora Tuerlings and Maria (Abe) Aleven.  Casey will also be very missed by his loving companion of the last years, Thelma Potter.

Casey was pre-deceased by his parents, Cornelis and Johanna Nuyten and by his bothers, Andreas, Martinus, and Hendrikus.  Casey was also pre-ceased by his first and dearly loved grandchild, Meagan Macdougall.

As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Cornelis (Casey) to the Central Okanagan Hospice House, 2035 Ethel Street, Kelowna, BC.  V1Y 2Z6.

Celebration of Life will take place at a later date to be determined.