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Van Arem, William Nicholas (Nick)

Nick passed away October 29, 2007, at Children's Hospital in Vancouver, B.C., at the age of 14 years.

Nick was born in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, in 1993. At four days of age he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and a shunt was installed in his body for the next day. As a result, Nick incurred a right-sided weakness that was to become his battle for normalcy for the rest of his life. Nick's life was one of constant therapy, splints, physio, tests and extra effort to achieve was the rest of us considered normal. Yet throughout it all, he maintained a spirit of determination and tenacity that forever astounded those who knew him.

Nick grew up on the family farm in Telkwa, B.C. He loved to work around the farm building tree forts, riding his bike, and most of all just helping out with everything from the farm chores to renovations. He had plans for the world and how he was going to grow up in it. He loved working at the theatre, playing trumpet in the band, his shop classes in high school and designing just about anything. His curiosity was endless.

We were fortunate to have had the guidance of Nick these last fourteen years, and will sadly miss him. His love for all others was unconditional and boundless. He was truly a free spirit in his life, as he is now.

A funeral liturgy was held Nov. 5 at St. Joseph's Church in Smithers.

Nick is survived by his sisters Tynka and Meghan, parents Mike and Krystyna.



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