Anthonie Vanden Ende’s call to ministry came very early in his life. He responded willingly and ably and is remembered for pastoring with gentle conversations about eternal matters. Vanden Ende, 97, died June 18.
Born in the Netherlands, Vanden Ende lived through World War II as a teenager. After graduating from seminary at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 1954, he served a church in the tiny farming village of Munnekeburen, Friesland, the Netherlands, followed by a year of service in the Royal Dutch Army.
In 1959, Vanden Ende, with his wife and children, emigrated to Canada. Ordained in the Christian Reformed Church, he pastored Brooks (Alta.) CRC and then moved his family to serve Grace CRC in Welland Junction, Ont.
Next, he served Fredericton (N.B.) CRC where he found “Dominee” or “Reverend” Vanden Ende “didn’t really fit with the Maritime vibe,” his family said, so “Pastor Tony” became his new title, and it remained.
Pastor Tony went on to serve Westmount CRC (now Compass Community Church) in Strathroy, Ont., and then Immanuel CRC in Brampton, Ont.
The Vanden Endes retired to Strathroy in 1995 where they enjoyed good health, friends, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and travel. Pastor Tony also enjoyed singing, playing piano and organ, gardening, painting, carving, leatherwork, creating birthday cards, and cooking. His raisin bread, it is said, is legendary.
Predeceased by a granddaughter in 2002 and his first wife, Ank, in 2010, Vanden Ende is survived by his second wife, Helen, and their combined family of 10 children, 32 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.