Obituary of Jack Steven Vander Wal

Jack (Jan) Steven Vander Wal passed away on July 11, 2019 at ninety-four years of age in Kentville, Nova Scotia.  He was born in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.

Jack lived through the Nazi invasion of Holland, during which he was with the Dutch resistance.  This affected him deeply for the rest of his life.  He immigrated to Canada in 1952 with his family and settled in Alberta, then moved to Nova Scotia where he spent the rest of his life on the shore of the Bay of Fundy.  He was an artist, painting his impressions of people and places, then moved on to landscapes, where he painted the natural world around him.  Visitors and friends all would remark on the abstract nature scenes as they reminded them of places they’ve been.  His work has been shown in galleries internationally and throughout Canada. 

Jack loved the countryside, socializing with friends and family, singing in his church choir, and walking his dogs every day along the Black Rock Road.  He encouraged creativity in others and being true to oneself.

Jack is survived by four children, Jerry Vander Wal, Ann de Boer, Bernie Vander Wal and Jeannette Dunmire; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two step-children, Ridley A. and Vivion Vinson.

Jack was predeceased by his wife, Jane, on May 4, 2019. 

The family will be holding a private service at a later date.  Friends are invited to donate to the Nova Scotia SPCA in lieu of flowers. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4P 1B9 (902-679-2822).