In Loving Memory of

Daniel Vriend

Jan 19, 1929 - Nov 24, 2024

It is with sadness that the family of Daniel say their final goodbye, but we do so with the gratitude and thanksgiving to God for the life abundant he had lived in Christ and the assurance that he is now in the arms of his Saviour. The life Dan lived bore testimony of his devotion to his Lord, Jesus Christ. He had experienced God’s steadfast and abiding love, which overflowed into his relationships with those God placed on his path. This enduring love, gentleness, and nonjudgemental nature granted by God to Dan characterized his relationships with family, church community, co-workers, and neighbours.

Dan was the eldest child born to Cornelis and Dieuwertje Vriend in Andyk, Netherlands. The family had long generational roots in Andyk, being primarily seed growers and boat builders. During WW2 Dan lived most of his teen years under the hardship of Nazi occupation. When the war ended, Dan, at the age of 18, came to Canada to pursue his dreams of a new life. In the first few years in Canada, he worked a variety of jobs: milk delivery in Edmonton with a horse-drawn wagon, a farm hand in Neerlandia, AB, and setting up his own small hog operation. During these years he had many wonderful experiences and developed many friendships. The First Christian Reformed Church community embraced Dan, particularly the Klaas Visser and Dick VanDyk families who considered Dan one of their own. It was at First Church that Dan had met the love of his life, Mary Nicolai, whom he married in 1953. Dan was deeply loved by the Nicolai family and he loved them in return. To provide for his family, Dan had worked for Canada Packers as a butcher for 42 years. Being industrious, he built their family home himself in the town of Beverly, where he and Mary had lived for 67 years, and raised their children. Dan was an avid gardener, loved the Beverly community, and gave generously of his time to people around him. Dan was also an integral part of his church family, having served as an Elder for many years, offering encouragement, support, and guidance, for many.

Accomplishments were not so much part of Dan’s thinking, but he took delight in being able to serve. Equipped with a good memory and an enjoyment of history, he chose to serve on the board of the “Olde Towne Beverly Historical Society”, through which he contributed to the compilation of “Built On Coal” a history of Beverly. A highlight for Dan was helping to organize the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Beverly. Being an avid storyteller, Dan was often called upon by teachers to give talks to school children which he particularly delighted in. Every summer he enjoyed narrating the horse-drawn Beverly Historical Tours in his Klondike garb. Through his writings and recollections, Dan also contributed to the commemorative 75th Anniversary history book of First Church, “In His Soil.” Dan’s interest in Genealogy led him to serve as overseer of the international “Vriend Society” for several decades. Dan also served on the board of the Christian Credit Union of Alberta for several years. Through all of these diverse involvements, Dan developed many wonderful and enriching friendships.

Earlier this year Dan was predeceased by Mary, his dear wife of 70 years. Dan will always be lovingly remembered by his and Mary’s children: Richard (Jo-Ann), Ben (Leanne), Ken (Denise), Calvin (Audrey), and Anne (Robin) Koning, 12 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Dan is also survived by his dear sisters, Trix and Annie, and brother, Jan, in the Netherlands. Sharing in the loss of Dan are many loving brothers and sisters-in-law and a multitude of nephews and nieces.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the First Christian Reformed Church (10956 - 96 Street, Edmonton, Alberta).

Arrangements entrusted to Foster & McGarvey Downtown Funeral Home.