Nicholas "Nick" Mans

Nick Mans passed away at the age of 65 at his home in Abbotsford, British Columbia on Sept 17, 2026 surrounded by family. Several years ago Nick was diagnosed with cancer. He bravely faced all treatments with strength and determination. Nick lived his last weeks with a sense of peace and dignity until he was welcomed into the arms of his loving savior.

Nick was born on March 9, 1961 in Grimsby, Ontario to Jantina Mans (nee Elzinga) and Egbert Mans. Nick attended Brock University where he completed a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Physical Education, and Bachelor of Education in 1984. Nick met the love of his life, Wendy VanderGaag, in high school and they married in 1983. They soon moved west and settled in Cloverdale, BC where Nick began his teaching career at Credo Christian High School in Langley. Nick’s lifelong passion for learning had him returning to the classroom in his forties to attend Trinity Western University where he obtained his Masters in Leadership in 2010. Nick taught at Credo for nearly 35 years, cherishing his students and colleagues and always giving his best effort for them. Nick taught until his cancer diagnosis forced an early retirement in 2019.

In his spare time Nick’s priority was always spending time with his family and he travelled with Wendy and their kids as much as he could. He loved running, puzzling, coaching volleyball, hiking, e-biking and being in nature. Nick loved to read and had a penchant for brain puzzles and fidget toys. Nick enjoyed playing klaverjassen with friends and family. His role as an elder at Pathway Church brought him meaning and his happy place was worshipping with the congregation on Sundays. His favourite role was that of ‘Opa’ and he delighted in times spent with his grandkids; always silly and playful, babysitting as much as he could, cheering them on in their sports and playing card and dice games with them. Nick’s faith in his heavenly Father carried and comforted him through many difficult unknowns in the last years of his life.