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John Van Gerven
May 12, 1930 – December 13, 2014
Dearly loved husband, dad, opa and friend. We are very sad that he has left us but thankful that it was peaceful and at his home as he has wished for. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Helen of over 60 years and best friend since 1948. He was a great dad to his son Hank & daughter-in-law Mary, son Mike & daughter-in-law Marilyn. A proud and encouraging Opa to Amy (Luc), Darryl, Ryan & his wife Megan, Brad (Melissa) and was an inspiration to all of us. Survived by his brother Wim & sister-in-law Nel and Gerda of the Netherlands, nieces and nephews. John left his homeland of Holland in 1953 with one suitcase in his hand and a few dollars in his pocket and lots of hopes and dreams of making a better life in Canada for Helen, himself, and their future family. He landed at Pier 21 in Halifax in 1953 and from there headed by train to Toronto. He worked a number of jobs along with his wife and family. He was a very successful business man. He was an honest, hardworking man. Always had a project on the go, while formulating the next in his mind. So many of his customers have become lifelong friends. The family will receive friends at the Mackey Funeral Home, 33 Peel Street, Lindsay on December 15th from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held the next day, December 16th, at St Luke's Church, 340 St Lukes Road, Downeyville at 11:00 a.m. If desired, memorial donations to St. Luke's Roman Catholic Church – Building Fund or the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation. Online donations or condolences may be made at www.mackeys.ca