van den Hoek, Johannes "Joe" September 29, 1932 - December 7, 2013 With great sadness, we announce that on Saturday December 7, 2013, Joe van den Hoek passed away at the age of 81 years. Joe was predeceased by his father Jan van den Hoek, his mother Janneke (Riemens) van den Hoek, his sisters Maria van den Hoek and Janneke (van den Hoek) de Glopper. Joe will be forever loved by his wife Ria, his daughters Sonja van den Hoek (Jim), Dianne Clifton (Brad), Freda McLean (Doug) and his six grandchildren Joel, Ashley, John Ross, Marla, Taylor and Carey. Joe was born in den Helder, Holland in 1932. He immigrated to Canada in 1948 with his father, step-mother, and step-brother. His sister immigrated a few years later in 1950 with her family. As a young teenager, Joe worked doing various jobs, such as a ranch hand, on the railway and then as a miner. On October 22, 1954, Joe married the love of his life, Ria. Together, in 1970, they bought the family home with an orchard in Keremeos, BC to raise their three daughters. Joe was an orchardist for over 40 years and a miner for over 30. Joe enjoyed camping, fishing, skating, watching soccer and hockey on TV. He was a jack of all trades and willing to help others. He devoted his love, time and energy to his family, especially to his wife Ria. Dad loved her with all his heart for the 59 years that they were married. Joe also had a love for animals, especially dogs. There was never a time during Joe's life that he did not have a dog or two at his side. Joe will be forever remembered for his kind and gentle demeanor. Interment will be held at the Keremeos Cemetery on Liddicoat Road, on Monday December 16, 2013 at 1pm. In celebration of Joe's life a tea will be held at the Keremeos Elks Hall, Veterans Avenue Keremeos BC at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory to the SPCA, 2200 Dartmouth Drive, Penticton, BC. V2A 4C2. Condolences may be sent to the family through providencefuneralhomes.com