The father of Grappling’s founder, Cor VanderLinden was a European immigrant who came to Canada at the age of 29 in search of new opportunities for himself – as well as to be with his future bride, Martina (Tina). Despite speaking no English upon his arrival, he eventually became an entrepreneur, owning local retail and construction businesses. He also had success as a local politician. Following retirement, Cor chose to live a quiet, happy life with his wife, and his favorite recliner. On November 4, 2018 he passed away from Stage IV lymphoma a few months shy of his 81st birthday. A documentary produced about the lives of Cor and Tina helped inspire the creation of Grappling with Grief.
Sheri (VanderLinden) Gill
Daughter of Cor and sister of Grappling founder Jimmy Van, Sheri was the glue of her family. A hard-working, determined, no nonsense, quick witted personality, she entered the corporate world right after graduating college, spent nearly 30 years climbing the company ladder, and was promoted to a management-level position not long before being diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma in April of 2019. She fought valiantly, courageously and with never a complaint before her battle ended on July 6, 2020. Her company lowered their flags to half-mast nationwide in her honour.
