Linda Van Gastel was a native Calgarian. She graduated from the University of Alberta in 1967 with a B.Sc. in chemical engineering and added an M.Sc. in 1972.

Van Gastel began her career with Western Research and Development, working primarily on computer applications that supported the company’s environmental impact mitigation business. In 1976, she joined PanCanadian Petroleum Limited (later EnCana) and progressed through working-level assignments in engineering computer applications and reservoir engineering, managerial positions in reservoir, production, and operations engineering, and executive appointments in marketing and engineering. She was a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and Engineers Canada (2009), and she was named an honorary fellow of Geoscientists Canada (2013).

Van Gastel served APEGA for 14 years, including seven years on Council. She was president-elect (2003) and president (2004). During her presidency, Van Gastel’s focus was consultation and communication with members as APEGA implemented a new brand strategy and addressed the issue of inclusivity.

She also served on numerous task forces and committees. Van Gastel chaired the task forces on inclusivity (2003–04), relevance (1999–2001), and workplace issues (1998–2000), and she was a member of the task forces on licensure (2003) and regulation of corporate practice (1998–2000). Her committee involvement included chairing the practice standards subcommittees on workplace issues (1995–97) and professional practice (1993–95). She was a member of the Nominating Committee (2001 and 1996), the Discipline Committee (1998–2000), and the Practice Standards Committee (1991–96). She also chaired the Practice Standards Committee (1994–95). Van Gastel represented APEGA as a board member of the Consulting Engineers of Alberta (2003–04), and she was awarded honorary life membership in 2005. She was also a director of Engineers Canada.

Linda Van Gastel passed away on May 2, 2023.