It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Antonius Petrus Maria Schellekens. Anthony was born August 15, 1930 in Vught, The Netherlands and passed away peacefully on March 27, 2020 in Surrey, BC, Canada.
Anthony is survived by his loving wife Clasina, son Harold (Cynthia) and granddaughters, Pauline and Sally, and daughter Caroline (Craig) and grandson Kyle. He will be missed by his brothers, Andre (Ann) and Marcel, and his sisters, Therese and Catherine. Predeceased by his parents, his brothers Adrian, Vincent, Harry and Peter, and sisters Annie, Ellie, Ine and Marianne.
Anthony arrived in Canada in 1951 with his sister Therese, first living in Winnipeg, Manitoba and eventually moving to British Columbia in 1963. In 1964, Anthony met the love of his life, Clasina. They married on July 2, 1965 in The Hague, The Netherlands. In 1966, they moved back to Canada, settling in Richmond and starting their family. Anthony worked for BC Hydro as a heavy-duty auto mechanic for many years, retiring in July 1991.
In March 1979, Anthony and family moved to Surrey to the acreage and open space that he loved. Anthony was exceptionally handy. The property in Surrey gave him many things to do - first building the house and then adding sheds and outbuildings, as well as clearing the property with his trusted tractor.
Anthony made friends easily and together with Clasina, had an active social life and many hobbies. He enjoyed playing cards, RVing, as well as taking trips overseas.
The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday April 8th, 2020 at St. Matthew’s Church, in Surrey BC, with very limited guests (invitation only) due to COVID-19. We will also be live video streaming the Funeral Mass for family and friends to join us: please contact harold.p.schellekens@gmail.com for details. A Celebration of Anthony’s Life will be held later when larger gatherings are feasible again.