Ancient Burials Obituary and Death Notices

Madderom, Pieter

12/12/2022

Pieter (Pete) Madderom
August 30, 1943 (Koedijk, Netherlands) - December 6, 2022

Peter was frankly puzzled that his exit strategy did not go according to plan. The idea was to reach his 80th birthday in superb health, then somehow naturally and painlessly sail into the next dimension. He was always an optimist! Unfortunately he fell short of the mark by less than a year. He lived a charmed life, blessed with an abundance of joy, friends, wishes fulfilled, and a rock solid confidence in himself that never failed. He loved people, but had no patience for fools. A brilliant, pioneering computer scientist who retired from UBC after forty years, he never touched a computer again. He was dismayed by the wild growth of the Internet, in which he saw too little social or moral accountability. He called it “pure evil.” (He was never a man to mince words!)

Peter’s retirement days were idyllic, filled with endless walks, chess games at the pub, cross-Canada motorcycle adventures, and the great pleasure of greeting friends and strangers alike on his daily perambulations. Most of all he loved family visits, with grandkids and pets snuggled on his lap. This beautiful, kind and gentle soul will be missed terribly by wife Victoria, his kids Meredith (Andrew), Patrick (Amanda), and Iris (Ruan), grandkids Hendrik and Johanna, and siblings Jake and Sita. And of course, his favourite lap-cat Lady! He loved us all, as he loved life itself. May his memory be for a blessing.

David McGuigan

12/17/2022 10:50:08 am

I was saddened to read of Peter's passing. I admired his spirit. My condolences to his family, especially to Patrick, and his brother Jake.

Victoria Lyon

12/18/2022 05:26:55 pm

Thanks David. His optimism and joie de vivre brightened the lives of all who knew him. He will be missed.

Clark Campbell

12/18/2022 10:09:55 am

So sorry to hear of Peter's passing. We knew a little of him. He walked past our home multiple times a day over the past 12 years. He always had a smile on his face and was quick to say hello. One thing he definately was NOT, is a stranger. Our family will miss seing him and the short, but always pleasent conversations. The world would be a much brighter place if its inhabitants displayed a small portion of Peter's positive qualities. Clark Campbell 4638 Portland St Burnaby

12/18/2022 05:32:01 pm

Thank you Clark. He was a unique personality and loved sharing his cheery optimism with everyone he met. I often passed him while I was driving and he was walking, and now I still watch out for him as I drive along Rumble or Gray. But I’m happy you have good memories of him and I appreciate your sharing.

Richard Schoon

12/20/2022 11:31:07 am

Peter always lifted my day when I would see him at the great bear pub. Sometimes we would enjoy a game of chess. He usually he won , in good spirits. It impressed me a lot that he walked all the way up hill , or even to New West . His positive attitude is a legacy for us all. I’ll miss you Peter.

12/22/2022 07:23:54 pm

Thanks Richard. The Great Bear was almost his second home. 😄
He loved his afternoon chess games and was still walking up that hill in October. Sadly, catching Covid in Burnaby hospital was more than his ailing body could endure. But he kept his sense of humour until the end.

Peter van den Bosch

12/22/2022 01:14:23 pm

I worked with Pieter and Victoria at the UBC Computing Centre in the Eighties, and it turned out, back when we were all walkers, that we lived in the same neighbourhood on the Burnaby South Slope. I remember Pieter as a soft-spoken, incredibly competent fellow. Warm wishes to Victoria and family, also from Mom, who remembers both.

12/22/2022 07:28:50 pm

My goodness Peter! Many years since we’ve connected. Thank you for your warm wishes. I hope you’re well and still enjoy walking. It was the activity that got Peter through his declining years. 🥰

the van Heuveln Family

12/29/2022 09:22:45 am

On behalf of the van Heuveln family in both Holland and Halifax our sincere condolences to entire family.

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Obituaries & Notices

Madderom, Pieter

Phone
604-308-2822

Email

Fax

Obituaries & Notices

Madderom, Pieter

Phone ​604-308-2822

Email

Fax

Phone
604-308-2822