July 16, 1936 - January 13, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
We are saddened to announce the passing of Godfried Maria (Frits) Swinkels, 85, of Victoria, BC. He passed peacefully on Thursday, January 13, 2022. He was born July 16, 1936 in Maastricht in the Netherlands, and emigrated to Canada in 1960 with his wife Marieke (nee van Velsen).
Frits was an avid adventurer and outdoors enthusiast, with passions for open-ocean kayaking, skiing, hiking, and traveling. He trekked in Nepal, was a long-time member of the Kootenay Mountaineering Club, and successfully built a kayak in the living room of his third floor condominium.
He drew and painted his way through Italy, France, the Camino, and Tibet, among many other destinations. He was deeply interested in other cultures, reading deeply and talking with all those he met along the way.
He never stopped learning, with a book collection spanning every topic from string theory to improving communication to murder mysteries and fantastical historical novels.
His love for opera was legend, and his cooking, while occasionally scary to watch, was sublime in its output. He was an accomplished engineer and computer scientist, and approached his profession with dedication and integrity.
He was a devoted husband and father. His family and friends will miss his ability to fix almost anything, and his intelligent conversation, quirky sense of humour, and endless stories.
He was born to Antonius and Elisabeth Swinkels (nee Lucassen), and is predeceased by his wife Marieke and his brother Sjef.
He is survived by his brothers Teun and Vincent; by his children Mark, Jeroen, Helena and Monica; by Mark's wife Joan; by Helena's partner John; by his grandchildren Scott, Katherine and Brian; by Kate and Brian's mother Kelley who was a daughter to him to the end; and by his great grandchild Emma.
A celebration of life will be held in the late spring.
Condolences can be sent care of Helena at 402-77 Walter Hardwick Ave. Vancouver, BC, V5Y0C6.