Obituary of Aloysius (Al) VandenEnden

VandenEnden, Aloysius (Al)

Born on February 8th, 1948 in Breda, Holland, Al immigrated to Canada with his parents and three siblings.  Son of  Gertruida (Vreudghe) VandenEnden and the late Adrian Vanden Enden (1990). 

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Michelle ( née Martin) VandenEnden. 

Together they raised five children. 

Predeceased by daughter Chantelle ( née VandenEnden) Sekerak (2016) (Jim), Duane VandenEnden (Nicole), Cristelle VandenEnden, Darrin VandenEnden and Derek VandenEnden (Nicola).

He was a proud Pépère (Pep) to nine grandchildren; Ben and Aleks Sekerak, Keifer and Talia VandenEnden, Kolby VandenEnden, Ewan and Soleil Niven, Bailey and Taylor VandenEnden. 

Al was one of twelve children in his family... him being the 3rd oldest. 

He will be missed by siblings Adrian VandenEnden (Florence), Rien VandenEnden (Patricia), Joanne (née VandenEnden) Prout, Jack VandenEnden, Bill VandenEnden (Noralyn), the late John VandenEnden (Jeannie), the late Connie (née VandenEnden) Elford (Cliff), Joe VandenEnden (Deb), Michael VandenEnden (Bobbie-Jo), Paul VandenEnden (Patricia) and Terry (née VandenEnden) Kennedy (Ian).

Predeceased by brother-in-law Barry Prout, sister-in-law Cheryl (O'Donnell) VandenEnden

Lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law, Marie-Louise (Faubert) Martin and the late Arthur Martin (1976).
Cherished brother-in-law to Pierre Martin (Linda), Luc Martin (Lorrie), Marcy (Martin) Morrisson (Allan).  Predeceased by brother-in-law Marc Martin  ( Oct.2023) (Marianne) and sister-in-law Jeannine (Martin) Lucier (Jan. 1994) (Leonard Lucier).

Loved by numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews on both sides of the VandenEnden and Martin families.

Al was an electrician by trade for over 50 years and at the age of 65 decided to get his master electrician license in order to keep working in his own business. He used to say how he enjoyed bringing light into his client's home.  He was a perfectionist at his work which was clearly seen when you saw one the electrical panels after completing a job.  Upon closing his business, he decided to share his knowledge & wisdom by working part time in the electrical department at Home Depot.  

On his down time, he loved going for long motorcycle rides (on the bike he called his 2nd girlfriend) and stopping along the way to do a bit of fishing.

Unfortunately his diagnosis of cancer in June of 2022 brought his working career and bike riding to an end.  Al had a voracious will to live life, giving his full effort, care and attention into everything he did.  

As per Al's wishes, cremation has taken place. 

A Celebration of Al's Life will be held on Saturday, January 27th, 2024 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the McKinlay Funeral Home Reception Centre, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham. Words of Remembrance will be shared at 2:30 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Al may do so with a donation to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. 

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street,
Chatham
519 351 2040