We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Pieter van der Maden, CD (Ret’d) on 23 June 2026 in Chilliwack BC, at age 90.Born in Holland, Pieter immigrated to Canada in 1954 at the age of 18. Four years later, he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces to start a military career of more than 22 years with the Canadian Military Engineers.
After completing his basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, Pieter’s first posting was a three-year tour with 4 Field Squadron in Werl Germany. After this tour, he returned to Chilliwack to serve with 3 Field Squadron before returning to Germany for a second three-year tour. Returning to Canada in 1968, Pieter served at Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg for before being posted to Chilliwack and beginning what would be a transition to becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator.
Pieter completed a Heavy Equipment Operator's course in 1974 and soon found himself working on the Northern Airfield Construction project at Eskimo Point (now Arviat, NU). In 1977, he worked on the Eagle River Bridge project and then served a tour at Canadian Forces Station Alert.
When Pieter retired from the Canadian Forces in 1978, he continued to put his expertise in heavy equipment to good use. He worked for various logging companies and later contributed to the construction of the Coquihalla Highway, one of British Columbia's most significant infrastructure projects. During this time, he worked with Cross Country Electric, installing services, and with Cascade Masonry, delivering septic tanks and brick supplies.
Pieter fully retired in 1994. He was an active member of the Legion.
A memorial service for Pieter will be held at 1300 hrs at the Carmen United Church in Chilliwack { 7258 Vedder Road } on 22 July 2026. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.