Dr. Hylke (Hike) Taeke van der Wal
March 21, 1938 – May 10, 2024
It is with deep sadness the family of Dr. Hylke (Hike) Taeke van der Wal (86) announces his passing at his home in Radisson, SK on Friday, May 10, 2024.
He is survived by his daughter, Lesley (Darrian) Rhode, and sons, Sean van der Wal, and Kip (Naomi) van der Wal, and their mother, Ann van der Wal. He was also blessed with four grandchildren, Dennon (Louisa) Rhode, Tanner Rhode, Paxton Rhode and Rankin van der Wal.
He remarkably survived cancer for twenty-nine years, carried on through years of work and pursued his passion for running into retirement. He remained actively competitive at the Masters level even as his health steadily declined.
Memorial Service details pending but please check back here for details as well as the live stream link to watch the service.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
17 Comments
Hylke was a true warrior… Won the 1st and 3rd Watford-Alvinston Road Race 16 km and continued for almost every year since 1958…we are gonna miss you Hylke .. You are truly the best!
Hylke was a talented runner in his earlier days and if you did not know that he would tell you. He always had story to tell about the past, the present and what was next in his life. My first time meeting Hylke was back in 1975 we both were on Team Sask at the Western Canada Summer Games in Regina together. He did the marathon. He holds many records in Saskatchewan and if I know Hylke he is running his way heaven. You will be missed my friend, Bob Reindl Executive Director Saskatchewan Athletics.
Hylke was a very interesting person. We enjoyed his stories and also enjoyed spending time with him at Seniors suppers and church services. We will mis those times.
We are so sorry to hear of Hylkie’s passing. I have found memories of running with him and competing against him. I remember him as being the most entertaining athlete and humerous, entertaining person. I am so sorry for your loss. He will certainly be remembered
Ron Wallingford
hylke had fullfillment running in races wether it was a road race , hitchhike to the farm and family .or a race to phone family and friends in need hylke the altimate earthly race has been won even thogh we will miss you we celebrate your victoty into heaven
I met Hylke at Forest District High School when we were teenagers. I had a crush on him! I’ve followed his running achievements over the years. My condolences to all his family.
I am very sorry for the loss of a dear friend, Hylke. He and my late husband, Gord Dickson, were friends, roommates and
Athletic competitors for many years. Following Gords death, Hylke continued to keep in touch and I looked forward to his phone calls.. A man of faith, God bless you. Sheilah
My condolences to Leslie, Sean, Kip, all the grand children and to Ann. We grieve with you and know Hylke is at peace from all his earthly struggles!
God Bless all of us as we grieve!
Richard and Helena
Hylke was an inspiring and interesting person. We praise the Lord for his faith and his steadfast example in the pursuit of his life goals.
I remember Hylke setting up an indoor steeplechase in San Francisco then hitch hiking from Western to compete in it. I also had the pleasure hitch hiking with him from Montreal to hamilton in the day. He was the hitch hiking king of thevworld
We met at the library in Radisson and always crossed paths while he was running or biking a very nice man who always had time to talk! R.I.P. Hylke. Condolences to family & friend’s
Hylke was an amazing and very interesting person. He was very kind – I was the beneficiary of a book every Christmas. We also had common interest in biking. He was also very well educated and so aware of what was happening in the world. He will be missed. Lee and Diane
I got to know Hylke when I was an athlete and more recently as an official in track and field. One of the best parts of going to Saskatoon to work at a meet was knowing Hylke would be there and hearing his stories. He will be greatly missed. He was an incredible athlete and an incredible person.
Our condolences to Anne and all of Hylke’s family. It was always a pleasure to hear his voice when he’d phone us now & then. Last time I saw him was about 5 years ago in Saskatoon, he was still running & was happy when we told him that we take part in a few marathons a year. Prayers to the family from Genny and Matthew
My condolences 💐 to his family and his friends, Mr. Vanderwall was my grade teacher, in North Western Ontario Canada, in a small community, a very knowledgeable and kind gentleman, I apologize for the late comment, prayers to his family.
Certainly miss Hike his visits and his vast knowledge.
I just found out about Hylke. My condolences to his family. Hylke was a fixture at our many track meets and he was always willing to share with others. He was an amazing athlete who continued to compete with major health issues. He will be missed. May his memory be a blessing to his family.
Add Comment