Travis Van Hill, 54 years young: February 8, 1969 – July 24, 2023

On the night of July 24, 2023, Travis was killed working at Piscine Energetics as captain of their commercial shrimping vessel, The Western Slope.

Travis Van Hill was survived by his wife, Kim Van Hill (neé Gerling). Children, Jessica Gerling, Lucas Van Hill, Mason (Mara) Van Hill, and Madison Van Hill. Grandchildren, Oliver Gerling and Soren Van Hill. Sisters, Norma Croy, and Carole Van Hill. And extended family in Alberta. Last but not least, by his crew members, Leslie Rollins, Donna Parez, and Bill Olsen.

Travis was predeceased by his parents.   ——   It is our intention to use this obituary to celebrate the life Travis lived and commemorate the joy he brought into the hearts and lives of all who knew him.

Travis was a man who would do anything to help whoever needed a hand, his unconditional support was never ending. He strove to offer his best for the benefit of others. He touched the lives of many, his large presence loved loudly and cared deeply for everyone around him.   Travis was beloved by so many; he cared loudly, never holding back an opinion or four letter word, and always spoke the truth like it was, whether or not it was what you wanted to hear.

His drive to carry on, be strong and persevere in every endeavor was defining of his personal character. Travis could fix anything, do anything, and excelled in the art of Mcgyvering. Travis lived life to the fullest, always knowing each day was precious with no guarantee of another tomorrow. He was happiest when with his family, traveling to places that brought him joy, learning whatever he set his mind to learn, laughing loudly, and sharing his unique sense of humor well known for its repertoire of inappropriate jokes.

He loved his family fiercely, they were the anchor that kept him grounded. The love and devotion he had for his wife was beyond what any words could describe, together they were a team, she was his world, his best friend and soulmate.

Although he called the Okanagan home, his heart could always be found in Belize. Travis and his wife dreamt of building their forever home in Belize. And this dream was slowly becoming reality with their recent drive to Belize to purchase the land upon which they planned to build their dream.

Our hearts and lives will never be the same without Travis. Gone too soon with so much life left to live, adventures to be had, and dreams still to be built. He will always be remembered for his bear hugs, booming voice, and shouting merry Christmas all year long.

A private celebration of life will be held on September 20th at Paddle Wheel Hall. In lieu of flowers, a ‘go fund me’ by the name “In Memory of Travis Van Hill” has been set up to support the family through this difficult time.

Words from his son, Lucas Van Hill: “Travis was caught in a once in a century storm on Okanagan Lake while working as a shrimping captain. The three other crew members made it out safely while Travis’ boat capsized in the storm. He passed doing what he loved and was known all around the community as a glowing soul always there to help anybody in need, always putting others before himself. Those who knew him know he was a once in a lifetime individual. He will be sorely missed and forever remembered. A memorial is to be setup at paddlewheel park in Vernon, BC. This fund is to help support Travis’ family during this difficult time and supporting our mom, as well the spreading of Travis’ ashes on his favorite beach in Belize, where him and his wife, Kim, were in the process of building their forever home that they worked tremendously hard for.”

Words from his son, Mason Van Hill:   “When they said seeing him would be tough, I braced. I thought it was going to be like a sucker punch, a tough one. But I didn’t want to turn away, shy away, I’d take that punch no matter what, it would be disrespectful to turn away, shy away from Travis. I had to see him.   He wouldn’t look like him, he would smell like death. They warned me. Even warning me at the last second, giving me that chance to flinch. To dodge that punch.  It wasn’t a punch, it was just Travis. He was there as if he was always just was. He looked just like him, lying there. dirtied, and bloodied. A normal, a memory. I could have sat there and stared at him all day, tears pouring down my face. I didn’t turn away, I stared. I longed. I loved.   Thank you Travis for being there for me, no way any other man has. Thank you, that even in death, you were you. You weren’t different from how people said, how you have changed. You were the way I always remembered you, there. You were always there, for us.   I’m so happy I didn’t turn away. Of course it felt wrong to see you the way you are, but it was worse to not see you at all. For there was no punch. Only one last goodbye, a hug. (metaphorically)   Even as I had to leave, it almost felt like I was turning away, shying away from you, but I know I wasn’t. You were watching me walk off to be with my family, proud. The way you were, are. You are always proud of who I am, having, caring, for the family I have.   It always feels like there’s so much to think about Death. The way it can happen so suddenly, the way it lingers. There’s so much to say about Travis. The way you were in our lives suddenly, the way your memories and love lingers. “