“The soul of man is like a waiting falcon,
When it’s released, it’s destined for the skies.
But until then my heart will go on singing,
Until then with joy I’ll carry on.”
(UNTIL THEN by Bill & Gloria Gaither)

VAN VLIET, Lachlan G. “Rocky”
After a long life filled with adventure, our loving, strong and reliable father and friend, Lachlan G. “Rocky” Van Vliet transitioned in peace at the ripe old age of 98 on July 13, 2023. Born on April 6, 1925, Lachlan spent his early years being a loving son, caring brother and mischievous cousin to his large close knit family in Lacolle, QC. He is survived by his baby sister Mildred Tait of Guelph, ON and one of his last wishes was that she be told that he loved her. During the war Mildred saved her pennies and bought her brother chocolate, which she mailed overseas to him. Mildred, conveys what a great “big brother” he was… driving her to school in Grade 1 on the bar of his bike, letting her drive his car and throughout their lives just being there for her. Their love and devotion to each other lasted a lifetime. His patriotism and restless nature took him to the Air Force recruiting center at the young age of 17, and with his parent’s consent he joined up and became a fearless pilot during World War II. It was in the RCAF that his colleagues gave him his nickname Rocky. At the conclusion of the war Rocky re-enlisted in 1950, posting twice to 3(F)Wing RCAF Zweibrucken, Germany (Squadron 434, 1956-1959 and Squadron 430, 1964-1966), and once to 2(F)Wing RCAF Grostenquin, France (Squadron 430, 1963-1964) as well as numerous postings across Canada, including a two year posting (1960-1961) at RCAF Station Chatham in New Brunswick with the Golden Hawks. Rocky twice denied the hereafter when crashing a Spitfire XIV in Wunstorf, Germany in 1945 and ejecting from a CF104 Starfighter (the Widowmaker) in France in 1964. In 1970, when flying was no longer an option, and faced with the unappealing choice of sitting at a desk, Rocky chose to retire from the RCAF at CFB Trenton. He never looked back and spent the latter half of his life happily traipsing around on his farm in the “County,” and tending to his race horses. With his first wife H. M. “Bobbie” Van Vliet (née MacCoy), Rocky was blessed with three children who loved and admired him and were proud to call him Dad. A son Dave Van Vliet (Sheila McGuire) of Calgary AB; a daughter, Ainslie Van Vliet Thomson (Bill Thomson), of Nassau, The Bahamas and a son Gordon Van Vliet (deceased May 1, 1977). Much loved granddaughters followed; Jenna Van Vliet Logan (Craig Logan) of Canmore AB; and Devan Van Vliet Hruup (Jarrid Hruup) of Calgary, AB. Rocky was always supported and loved by his second wife, his soul mate of 35 years, Donna Logan Van Vliet. Donna predeceased Rocky in 2016, but the support and love continued because Rocky was also blessed with step-children; Mandy Bonisteel of Toronto, ON; Steven Bonisteel (Therese Greenwood) of Fort McMurray, AB; and grandchildren: Jessie Bonisteel (Jay Primeau); Drew Bonisteel; Siobhan Bonisteel; Kassia Bonisteel (Cornelius Singh) and great grandchildren Melody Bonisteel, Abby Lajoie and Liam Bonisteel-Topping. Charles Topping, friend to Rocky and father to Liam completed his immediate family. Rocky will be missed by all who knew him but especially his many nieces, nephews and cousins. His mantra, “a body in motion, stays in motion,” held him in good stead and he lived a full and active life in the County surrounded by good and caring friends who enjoyed nothing more than helping him when he needed it. The family is especially grateful to his friends Lee, Pat and Wayne, Lisa, Rachel, Donna, Doug, Bill and Helene and Suzanne. Heartfelt thanks go out to those at the Sunnybrook Veteran’s Center for the warm, thoughtful and professional care provided to Rocky. Cremation will take place. A small family private service is being planned for the future where ashes will be spread. Rocky has a memorial stone on the walkway at the National Air Force Museum in CFB Trenton, ON. Memorials may be posted online via the website of the Belleville Funeral Home (https://www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com/belleville)