Herman died August 8, 2006 at the age of 72 with his loving family at his side after a hard fought battle with cancer.
Herman came to Canada from Belgium at the age of 21. He first went to the Peace River country where he met his wife Lorraine and they later married in June 1961.
At that time Herman worked for the Department of Highways. In November 1964 their son Kirk was born. A while later they moved to Quesnel where Herman became the youngest Provincial assessor in the province.
In November 1967 their daughter Yvette was born. In 1972, Herman accepted a 3 year position with the Council of Forest Industries promoting Canadian wood in Europe. The family lived in Belgium and they accompanied him on many trips all over Europe. Kirk and Yvette went to french schools in Waterloo and Herman was able to spend time with his family who all lived in mainly flemish speaking towns in Belgium.
On returning to Quesnel he started his own appraisal business (Cariboo Appraisals). Many years later he retired and pursued his real passion, raising rainbow trout on their 40 acre hobby farm. He enjoyed many a day having family and the general public over to fish. He especially enjoyed watching the kids’ excitement after catching a fish.
Herman worked passionately for various organizations in Quesnel such as the Dunrovin Society, Fraser Village, the Legion and the Caribo Tourist Association. He was a Cariboo Regional District representative for six years and continued to help people with various land issues just shortly before he died. He was a true “Cariboo-ite”.
Herman and Lorraine loved to travel, including many trips to Belgium and to visit their son and family in Australia. Maui was one of his favorite places on earth and many winters were spent there enjoying the warm Hawaiian sun.
He leaves to mourn, his loving wife Lorraine of 45 years, his son Kirk (Amanda), Kristen and Kate, daughter Yvette (Jeff), granddaughter Keana (daughter of Alan). In Belgium, his sister Marie Louise and brothers Gaston and Andre.
He was ‘Her’ man, our dad and the best granddad.
“You fought hard my darling”. Rest in peace.
In memory of Herman donations may be made to the Cancer Society.