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330-18th Street North
Brandon, MB R7A 7P3
Phone: 204-727-0330
Fax: 204-725-0971

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Obituary for Fran Van Heyst

Fran  Van Heyst
Van HEYST: Frances (Fran) Elaine Van Heyst, beloved wife of Ron Van Heyst; mother of Austin and Eric; daughter of John and Laura Tiel; sister of Al Tiel (Vicky), Doug Tiel (Selina), Glen Tiel (Colleen); daughter-in-law of Don and Jeanette Van Heyst; sister-in-law of Dianne van den Ham (Herman), Daniel Van Heyst (Rhonda), Pat Vreeman (Herman), Ted Van Heyst (Wenonah), Dave Van Heyst (Lauri); aunt to numerous nephews and nieces; and friend of many. Fran was born in Winnipeg, and grew up in the North Kildonan area. She was a devoted daughter, and sister to her three brothers in the lively Tiel household. She attended church at Winnipeg Christian Reformed Church and school at Calvin Christian School. Fran graduated high school from River East Collegiate in 1980. After high school Fran worked at CIBC Bank in downtown Winnipeg. During this time, Ron had moved to Winnipeg from Brandon. Fran and Ron met, and fell in love and were married January 2, 1988. Fran and Ron’s first home together was in Saskatoon where they lived for less than a year before moving to Brandon. In Brandon, Fran worked for Canada Trust for several years and made many lasting friendships. Fran and Ron spent eleven years as a couple until with great joy they received their sons, Austin (in December of 1998) and Eric (in December of 2002). While working full time as a mother, Fran also had a number of part time jobs including Scotia Bank, The Green Spot, RM of Elton and painting for Van Heyst Brothers Construction. Fran always enjoyed the interactions and relationships with her co-workers including being one of the crew at the Van Heyst Brothers Construction job sites. After several years living in and renovating their homes on Dennis Street and Ashgrove Blvd, in the fall of 2007, Fran, the city-dweller, was introduced to rural life with the family’s move to a small farm north of Forrest. Fran embraced rural living and loved her large yard, gardening, pets and even snowmobiling and curling! She enjoyed the farm life, particularly providing field suppers during harvest time for Ron and their good friend Earl. Renovations to their home continued to be a large focus of Fran and Ron’s activities together. Fran’s faith and church life was important to her and she was always an active member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Brandon. She also connected with the Forrest United Church family by joining the choir for a couple of seasons. Throughout her life, Fran enjoyed a number of activities including photography, walking, camping, home decorating, gardening and especially hosting family and friends. Fran loved her boys and their care and well being was her major focus. Fran lived her life with grace, dignity and good humour, especially during her two and half year struggle with cancer. Fran was predeceased by her father John Tiel and sister-in-law Elizabeth Van Heyst. She will be lovingly remembered by her family, friends and the many people connected with her life. Fran will always be loved and is greatly missed by her husband Ron and their sons Austin and Eric. The Ceremony to Celebrate Fran's Life was held on Monday, May 11, 2015 at Central United Church with Rev. Dr. Evert Busink officiating. Interment was held at the Rosewood Memorial Gardens. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Fran may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB R7A 2W8 or to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation - "Room for Renewal" Campaign, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 2B3.
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