Cecil Van Hecke
Cecil Hector Van Hecke was born Nov. 13, 1949 in Hardisty, Alta. He was the oldest child of Paul and Mary Van Hecke and was raised on the family farm east of Alliance.
Cecil was named after both his grandfathers.
Cecil married Elizabeth Maron in April 1969 and together they purchased the current farmstead where they made their home.
Together they had two children: Donna and Steven. Cecil farmed with his parents and drove truck with Van Hecke Transport. In 1980, Cecil started C & E Trucking. Cecil did local and long distance hauling, grain and gravel hauling and oil. Cecil and Elizabeth separated that year.
In 1981, Judy Sulz moved to the farmstead bringing her two children Trevor and Jody. In 1982, they had Ann Del.
In addition to trucking, Cecil farmed with his dad, Paul and his brother, Ernie.
In 2014, when Paul passed away Cecil and Ernie continued farming the family land together.
In his early years, he liked rodeos, curling, stock car racing, snowmobile racing, poker rallies, flying and hunting.
When he wasn’t farming or driving truck, he spent many hours at auctions, visiting with friends, sharing a good story and a drink or two.
Cecil was a collector of many things ranging from tractors, cars, antiques and equipment.
He is survived by his brother Ernie (Pat) Van Hecke, his children Donna (Mike) Reid, Steven Van Hecke (Casandra), Ann Del (Chris) Carr; grandchildren Shinelle (Clayton) Peters, Quinten (Lydia), Justin, and Ethan Reid; step-grandchild Chase (Naomi) Sulz; greatgrandchildren Ashton and Marley Peters; nieces Bobbie Jo Van Hecke (Hunter, Phoenix, Willow), Roxanne (Mike) Field (Brayden, Madison), and nephew Dustin Van Hecke.
His was predeceased by his parents Paul and Mary Van Hecke, step-children Trevor and Jody Sulz.
After a seven month battle with cancer, Cecil passed away peacefully on Dec. 3 surrounded by his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Alliance Community Hall on Fri. Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Battle Bend Cemetery or the Daysland Hospital Foundation.
