In Memory Of

George VanSteenis

Oct 12, 1955 - Sep 14, 2025

Service

Saturday, September 20, 2025
1:00 pm
First Christian Reformed Church
Rocky Mountain House,AB

Notice

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or Rocky Christian School.

Obituary

Dad was born on October 12, 1955, in Edmonton, Alberta to Anne and Gobel VanSteenis. As the youngest of 3 children and being the only one of the family born in Canada, he always bragged he was the only true Canadian. Dad attended Christian school and later university in Edmonton, graduating in 1977 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He met the love of his life Corinne when he was 22 years old and they were married 2 years later. Mom and Dad would have celebrated 46 years of marriage next month.
Dad took a job with Husky oil that moved him and mom from Edmonton to Lloydminster, then to Calgary where they welcomed Michael and Stephanie. Eventually they settled in Rocky Mountain House where Vincent and Brittney were added to the family.
Dad had a deep love for the outdoors. We have many great memories of camping, road trips, hiking, fishing and just enjoying being in nature. Many of these excursions also included exaggerated stories of "Big Smoke" and bears. He often told these stories just to see what kind of reaction he could get out of his audience, a tradition that he continued with his grandchildren. Road trips with Dad often started off with simply driving home from ordinary places, and then Dad would say he wanted to go on an "adventure”, and we would then proceed to go in a completely new direction to get home, sometimes driving for hours "When it should have only taken ten minutes". His love of fishing allowed him to go on several deep sea fishing trips with Mike and several other close friends. In the recent years, his greatest joy was sharing that love of fishing with his grandchildren. Whether it was teaching them how to cast a line, helping them reel in their first catch, or simply sitting by the water together, those moments became some of his happiest. Seeing the excitement in their eyes reminded him of why he loved it so much, and those memories will always be treasured by his family.
He is survived by his loving wife Corinne; his children Michael (Nicole), Stephanie, Vincent (Annedien), Brittney (Dolan); his 13 grandchildren; Revey, Kavin, Hannah, Amy, Alan, Eve, Cory, Paige, Mackenzie, Payton, Georgia, Zoey, Teilla. He is remembered by his brother Cor (Af), his sister Mary (Dave) Greidanus. Beyond his immediate family, George cherished his extended family deeply. Nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws all held a special place in his heart.
Dad went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on September 14 after a courageous battle with cancer for the past two and a half years. His kindness, humour, and love for family created bonds that will continue to live on through all who knew him.
Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or Rocky Christian School

Condolences

Ethel Nicholls :

My condolences to your family corinne sorry I am so late with this but I just found out I know everyone that knew George will miss him I worked with him at husky oil for years and I was helped so much in my work by George and he made my job easier he was always happy never complained about anything may he Rest In Peace we will all miss him

Scot Neville:

So sorry to hear about George, our thoughts and prayers to his family. I loved working with him at Husky, he was always able to explain complex engineering issues and solutions in a way that I could understand and he was always so kind and nice, even when we were up to our necks in turnaround drama. Blessings to his family

lia Oosterbeek an Chris Baars:

My condolences to the family.
George was in Holland in his young years. I was just a little child, but I never forget.
He stayed in the family Oosterbeeks house and he made the most beautiful of every day.
He was so cheerful and such a sweet person.
My sisters took him with the teenage tour (by train) through Holland and he loved it.
I can imagine you will miss go on adventure with George.
That must have been great.

We wish Corinne, the children and the family all the strenght.
RIP George

Blaine Bowersock:

Corinne and family,Your loss is mankinds loss. George was one of those one in a million that never said a bad thing about anybody. Few engineers were of Georges exceptional calibre , George always had the time to help and support anyone and everyone that knocked on his office door. I worked with George for many years and aside from being brilliant ,he was just one of the nicest guys I ever worked with.

Willem Oosterbeek:

Although I did not knew him very well, I do know George was a great guy. Sorry to hear he passed away so very young. My condolances. Cousin Willem from Amsterdam, Holland.

Peter and Erica Oosterbeek :

We visited George and Corinne when we were in Canada for our honeymoon trip. We are family from Holland and we were very welcome. I went with George to the pub and he told me, tell them in Holland: I still like a biertje. He drove with us for the whole day and let us see its work and the places where he went fishing. We liked it a lot and we have good rememberings of George!!! We wish Corinne and the kids much strength the coming time. Erica & Peter

Lori Weigel :

So Sad to hear of George's passing he was such a great guy. My deepest sympathy and condolences to all his family and friends he will be missed deeply. R.I.P George

Charles Kerklaan:

My sincerest condolences to the family over George's passing. I have nothing but fond memories of the time that I spent with him on our annual bike trips. His humor, compassion and camaraderie will be missed.

Brian Rypstra:

So sorry to hear that George is leaving Corrine and the rest of the family. He will be fine in heaven of course but he will be missed by many here below. God be with you all as you say your "see you laters" and goodbyes! Will be thinking and praying for you all!

Desmond Kleinschroth:

We are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Larry Holkestad:

Corinne,Mike, Steph, Vince, Brittney, and to all other family members, I send you my deepest condolences and heartfelt sorrow of hearing of George's sudden passing. I will always remember George as a very caring person with a kind soul. I will remember our many chats around the table with the Gang at the Rocky Legion, while having a cold one. We were always laughing. Mostly good times. I will miss those chats. I am so happy to have known you George over the years, with you working at Husky and me at Keyera. He always gave me good advice over the years. He was truly a gentleman. George you fought a good fight with that horrible disease known as cancer and almost beat it. You never wavered or complained with that feisty determination that you had. You were on of the funniest, kindest, and most determined people I have ever known. I will miss are chats, going on those cheese runs, and most of all your overall good nature. Corinne and the kids, I hope you have many fond memories of you Husband, Dad, Grandpa, but mostly friend and hold these memories close to your heart moving forward, as this will help you heal and give you comfort. George you will be missed by so many people that you knew. R.I.P. my friend.

Mike Cubrilo:

Dear Corrine, Mike, Steph, Vince, Brittney …. Am so sorry to hear about George’s passing. Where do I start? So many fun and fond memories with George and you and the kids. From working together in the Engineering Team at Husky Ram River, to camping together, more than a few nights at the Legion together. Later bike trip together and enjoyed having you at our acreage west of Stony Plain for a pig roast. We always had alot of laughs together. George was a great Engineer and friend and most of all a family man. Worked hard. Played hard. Will miss him greatly. Sorry I can’t make the service am working overseas at the moment but hope to visit when I get back. We lost one of the good guys. Love, Mike, Kathy, and the boys.

Brent mcmeekin :

So sad to hear of the passing of George he was a truly great guy rip George

Buwalda Rob & Dorothy :

Our sincere condolences to you and the family.

Don and Darlene Jackson and Families :

Our condolences to George’s family and friends. He was such a wonderful man. George was so nice to Grandpa Frank Laing. George may you and Frank hoist a couple in the Great Legion in Heaven.

Carla Vanderspek:

I really appreciated our talk at our last Rypstra family reunion and loved his sense of humour as well. He was a loving man, and I know he will be missed by many. Thank God for memories of a beautiful person. God give you all of His strength that passes all understanding.
Love, your cousin, Carla

Aaron Evans :

It was a real pleasure knowing George always had a good conversation and lots of laughs some long evenings in the legion truly a good soul Rest In Peace my friend

Aaron Evans:

It was a great pleasure knowing George always a good laugh and long evening conversations in the legion your probably cooking a Turkey in your hot tub in heaven Rest In Peace my friend

Brenda Rypstra-Loman:

I have such fond memories of George: his stories, his humor, his willingness to help others. He will definitely be missed.

Duane Iceton :

I always enjoy working with George out in the field, in the old Husky days. But it's his stories at the legion that I will remember most. George will be dearly missed by all that knew him.
My condolences to his family and friends.

Jermey Kerklaan:

Corrine, Mike, Steph, Vince, Brittney,
My condolences to you all. George (your Dad) is a memorable man. I enjoyed bumping into him in my late teens, at the plant. It was always a positive experience. I have many fond memories of George, mostly while we drove our motorcycles to some destination each spring. I wish you all peace, love, strength and time.

John & Kate McAdam:

Hope Corriene, you and your family’s memories are forever, a wonderful man and a beautiful family, rest George, Love Ya

Sheila Oja:

I am saddened to hear the town has lost such a joy to the community and especially the Legion. He was such a caring and funny person. He never missed a moment to sit down and chat with his comrades. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My condolences to all of his family and friends. May he rest in peace!

Yvonne Casey:

Oh Corinne, my hear breaks for you and your family! I know there is nothing I can say that will help you, but knowing you are in my thoughts and prayers might bring some comfort.
I am praying that our heavenly Father will wrap you in His arms and give you His peace and strength.
All my love, Yvonne

Jim klovansky:

My condolences to the family sure going to miss a glass of draft at the legion with you buddy George will truly be missed he was always a ray of sunshine in good times and bad fly high my friend we will meet again

Pat Ironside:

I’m so sorry for your loss. George was a great member of our legion. I always enjoyed talking with him. Hold your precious memories close. God has another angel to watch over his family.

Vera & Bruce:

So sorry to hear of George’s passing. We certainly miss him at the legion. RIP George

Willem Oosterbeek:

Bye George. Although I hardly knew you, I do know you were a great guy. My condoleances . Your coupon Willem from Amsterdam.

Post Your Condolence