VALE RIEN VAN DER PEET
It was such a shock to hear that Rien Van der Peet died suddenly on Saturday 21st . He was 92 years old, but he seemed indestructible.
He became a member in 1987 and for 30 years he enjoyed being part of the Greens/Garden Committee where he was the Greens Director from 2003-2005. He took delight in ensuring that the grounds were up to a high standard. Rien only resigned from this Committee only six weeks ago.!!
He was a top lead bowler and in the 1990’s he played with Bob Cole, Bob Grisold, Arthur Ram and Frank Woodcock who was his skip. This was a 1st Division team. He won the mixed Pairs with his wife. He still played Social Bowls each and every Wednesday, having his practice session with a mate on Tuesday afternoon, and when called upon he would play the occasional Saturday Pennant game much to the consternation of Gerda his wife.
A very traditional Requiem Mass was held at St. Phillip’s which was his Parish Church. His son Frank read the Eulogy speaking of his Dad’s hard and difficult life in war-torn Holland, and later serving in the Dutch Army for three years in Indonesia.
Rien emigrated to Australia in 1951 with one brother, the rest of the large family following a year later.
They settled in Box Hill. He became a pastry cook and worked with the same company, Phoenix, for 30 years. Frank also spoke about his love for soccer and camping.
When he retired at 60 he joined Doncaster Bowls Club.
At least 120 relatives, friends and fellow bowlers attended the Church service and most of them came back to the club rooms for his wake.
A photo montage of his life rotated on the TV and guests stood in a semicircle commenting and reminiscing.
He still baked his own bread and fruit cakes and did his monthly stint as ‘chip cooker’ for Wednesday night meals. On the afternoon of his passing , Rien and Gerda attended their family Christmas gathering. I know they ate his famous fruit cake.
Gerda, we will surely miss your husband of 63 years. Rien was a kind, quiet, courteous, dedicated man who gave so much to our club over 32 years.
R.I.P. RIEN.
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