Linda Carol (Price) Van Gastel

On May 2, 2023, Linda Carol Van Gastel, nee Price, passed from this life with dignity and grace at the Moog and Friends Hospice House in Penticton Canada.

She was accompanied in her final weeks and passing by those closest to her including her devoted and well-matched husband of 39 years Arnold, her daughter Sharon, her son Kyle, daughter-in-law Holly, grandchildren Edwyn, Georgia, Felix, Elaina, and Arelie. She was visited by many she connected with and cared for in life.

Linda was born in Calgary, Alberta September 30, 1945; and throughout her life, exemplified the principles of kindness, humility, courage, and commitment. As a child she learned the importance of hard work and dedication as her parents, Bruno and Carol, did their best to provide a home, love, and food on the table. During this time, she found a connection with family, including her two brothers, Al and Ryan.

As she grew, she discovered self-confidence and determination and put these to effective use in her choice to become one of the first female engineers in Western Canada; graduating with a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta in 1967, and a MSc in Chemical Engineering in 1972.

Finding a job as a female engineer was not easy, but with continued persistence she eventually found her first job in Vancouver, BC. Through hard work, living true to her values, and her sharp mind, she continued to find success as she progressed through her career including a transition to oil and gas with Pan Canadian Petroleum. She made many friends along the way, and was known for her steadfastness, competence, and unflinching integrity.

During these years, Linda also became a mother. In 1970 she welcomed the arrival of her daughter Sharon, and again in 1974, her son Kyle. She worked hard to balance the demands of her career with the needs of her family.

In 1982, she found the love of her life: Arnold, a handsome, hardworking, younger man from a kind and accepting family. Shortly thereafter, on August 18, 1983, they were married and over the next 39 years, remained true to themselves and each other.

As she entered retirement in 2003, Linda continued to find new ways to give to the communities she belonged to. She became president of Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), where she continued to give her best and was known as someone who applied gentle pressure, relentlessly. She received a fellowship for the Canadian Academy of Engineering and Engineers, an honorary fellowship with the Geoscientists, and was a Director of Engineers Canada. She also served on several boards including one with a focus on protecting fresh local water supplies for Canadians.

In her retirement, she also found time to explore a latent gift for artistry. Many of us were surprised to discover that the capable engineer known for planning, precision, and the potential for a steely presence, was also so creatively inclined. As she dedicated herself to quilting, she discovered new talents and ways of expressing herself through the language of fabric. Fascinated with colour, shape, and pattern, she delighted in learning new skills and techniques. Linda shifted rapidly from using traditional quilting patterns as designed to modifying them ultimately designing her own with a preference for art quilts.

In her time as a quilter, she joined many quilting communities, created pieces of increasing artistic expression, and was recognized for the beauty of her works. She also had the opportunity to share this love of art with her daughter, Sharon, and with her grandchildren. It became a celebrated focal point of connection within our family.

In her last years, her commitment to family was at the forefront. She spent considerable time and effort seeking to pass on her wisdom, support, and values to those closest to her. In her last weeks she continued to live life as she always has; creating new friends, courageously accepting outcomes she could not change, and finding moments of happiness, connection, and beauty.

Her presence will be remembered and missed by those who knew her. As we have learned, she touched many lives. We are grateful for the shared sense of loss, genuine caring, and kind presence that so many of you have been open enough to share. Please know that in her final days, just as in the rest of her life, the well-being of those she cared about was always first on her mind.

Our family remains deeply appreciative of the expert and compassionate care she received at the Moog and Friends Hospice House and from other medical professionals throughout the 18-month progression of her illness. We encourage those who wish to honour her life to practice the best of what she shared and to join us at a celebration of her life in Calgary and Penticton, details to follow. We request donations be made to the Moog and Friends Hospice House so that they may continue to offer their much-needed services to families saying good-bye to the ones they love and cherish.

The Celebration of Life will be held in Calgary on Wednesday July 26, 2023. 

Location: Tsuut'ina Ballroom, Grey Eagle Hotel

Address: 3777 Grey Eagle Dr, Calgary, AB T3E 3X8

Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm

An open house event for Linda's family and close friends will be held on August 19, 2023, from 2-5pm in Penticton BC.

Please call the Funeral Home at 250-493-1774 for more details.