Dec 28, 1946 - Jan 5, 2018
On January 5th, 2018, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, Dr. Klaas Post, professor emeritus in Veterinary Medicine, at the University of Saskatchewan passed away peacefully in the arms of his family in British Columbia.
Klaas was born in Olst, the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada in 1968, where he attended the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph; later moving to Saskatoon and working at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) where he went on to become a full professor. It was here that he met his partner and soulmate, Joanne, whom he married on December 29th, 1982.
He is lovingly survived by Joanne; their children Jeffrey (Marina) and granddaughter Hannah of Calgary, and Michelle (Amir) of Vancouver; his sisters Nelly (Johan) and Ineke (Alex) of the Netherlands; along with many nieces and nephews of whom he greatly cherished.
Klaas devoted his life's work to being a compassionate and accomplished veterinarian. His career of practice, teaching, research and administration spanned over 40 years in Calgary and Saskatoon. Klaas was a dedicated educator and known for his good humor by colleagues and students. Graduates he taught and mentored went on to work in practices across Canada.
An especially meaningful accomplishment in his memorable career included being voted WCVM Distinguished Employee of the Year in 2008 and receiving the Merit Award from the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association in 2011.
Klaas was an active member of both the soccer and speed skating communities in the Netherlands, southern Ontario and Saskatoon as an athlete, coach, administrator, officiant and volunteer. He had the privilege of coaching many junior speed skaters, some of whom went on to compete in the Olympics. He played for and coached the University of Saskatchewan's Huskie soccer team. He was an enthusiastic supporter of youth soccer, volunteering to coach for any team that needed it, taking his son's team to the Nationals twice and playing himself until the age of 65.
He received many honors throughout his sporting life including the Volunteer Recognition Award from Saskatchewan Sport, Inc., Youth Coach of the Year from the Saskatoon Soccer Association, and the Award of Merit from the Canadian Soccer Association. In 2010, Klaas was inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to Saskatoon soccer.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Saskatoon Cancer Center, BC Cancer and Irene Thomas Hospice for their care and compassion over the years.
A celebration of life will be held for friends and family at a future date in Surrey and Saskatoon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Klaas's honor to the Saskatoon Cancer Center, the BC Cancer Foundation or the Companion Animal Health Fund at the WCVM.