Neil Van Waas

Nothing will make him put his best foot forward like getting the other in hot water.

Covenant CRC in Rocky Mountain House

It's hard to believe 30 years have gone by. It seems like only yesterday that I moved out of the city (Edm) to small town Alberta - Rocky Mountain House (RMH) That was 1983. I met my wife, Anita, in RMH - and we were married in December 1985.

We lived the Double Income No Kids life for about 5 years, before our eldest son Mitchell Neil arrived in 1990. Taylor Jake was born in 1994. We tried our hand at sheep farming from about 1986 - 1996. Though the lifestyle was wonderful and carefree .... it didn't pay quite so well. I went back to driving truck full time when Taylor was 5 months old. Anita held down her full time government job plus tried to keep up with things on the sheep farm - but soon we decided it was time to sell the farm. We moved to "town", where we enjoy a wonderful mountain view outside our living room window every day.

I still work full time as a truck driver --- I have my own unit. Over the years I've travelled to all corners of this continent, but for the last few years, have worked predominantly in Alberta to allow more time at home with family and friends. Anita works for the prov. government (one of those "cushy jobs") and the boys are almost grown up. Mitchell graduated from high school last year and is still living at home and working. Taylor started grade 10 this year. Over the last few years, we've spent lots of time with our boys at hockey arenas and soccer fields all over Alberta. It brings back great memories of my school and sports days.

We enjoy the outdoors and camping. I'm an AVID fly fisherman and spend many weekends on the river. We're fortunate to live so close to some of the best trout fishing streams in Alberta. If you ever want to experience this first hand - let me know, I'd be glad to take you out!

1. Driving to school in Rob VandenBoogaard's batmobile!

2. Our field trip to Jasper.