Obituary of Christopher Edward Van Beelen

It is with great sadness that the family of Christopher “Chris” Edward Van Beelen announce his sudden passing, which occurred on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at home.  Born in Saint John on June 6, 1965, he was the eldest son of Marilyn (Hunter) and the late Cornelis “Kon” Van Beelen.

Chris loved rock concerts; he would push his way through the crowd so everyone he was with could have the perfect spot.  He coached South End Little League baseball for many years.  Never blessed with children of his own, Uncle Chris loved watching his nephews play baseball and basketball, he attended every game. He was also the proud recipient of some cute fingernail polish from his nieces.  Uncle was there every single early Christmas morning to watch his nieces and nephews open their presents.  He was a big teddy bear and kind to everyone he met.  Chris loved cars and going to car shows and loved the smell of burnt rubber.  He loved his 1967 Camaro (it was plum not purple). Chris still had faith in his Toronto Maple Leafs.

In addition to his mother Marilyn, Chris is survived by his brothers: Stephen and Kevin (Amber); nieces: Bryanna, Brooke (Thomas) and Sandrina; nephews: Justin (Hannah), Alex, Cameron, and Nicholas; aunts: Dawn, Lana Gail and Barb (Granville); uncles: Ralph (Judy) and Jerry, along with many cousins, and friends.  

Chris was predeceased by his father Kon; grandparents, Hazel & Cornelis Van Beelen and Frederick and Dot Hunter; aunt Theresa; uncles: Fred, Wayne and Rick.

Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) where visiting will take place on Tuesday, October 5 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm.  A Funeral Service will be celebrated from Brenan’s Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, October 6 at 12 pm.  Due to COVID-19 health measures placed on indoor gatherings by the Government of New Brunswick, all those 12 and older attending the visitation and funeral service will be required to show proof of vaccination and a piece of government-issued ID, or proof of medical exemption.  For those unable to attend the service, it will be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting Chris’ obituary on Brenan’s website.  Interment will take place in Ocean View Memorial Gardens.  For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Joshua Group.