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JOSEPHUS (JOE) BERNARDUS MARIA SMEETS
Date of Passing: Aug 14, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOSEPHUS (JOE) BERNARDUS MARIA SMEETS
Peacefully, on August 14, 2025, at the Grace Hospital, Joe Smeets passed away at the age of 99.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Haydee (2004), and is survived by his son Joey (Amanda) and three grandchildren, Dionisio, Gabrielle, and Tatym.
Born in Tilburg, The Netherlands, Joe proudly served with the Dutch Army before immigrating to Canada in 1957 at the invitation of his brother, Adrian. He spent his career working with Fraser Art Supplies and later with the River East School Division, and volunteered as a Boy Scout leader, where he developed a lifelong love of camping and the outdoors.
In 1968, Joe met and married Haydee after a whirlwind romance, and together they built a loving home, welcoming their son Joey from the Philippines in 1971. Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed music, history, travel, especially to the Philippines and cheering on his family in all their sporting and life endeavours. Fiercely independent, he lived in his family home on Glenview Avenue until age 98 before moving to Tuxedo Villa.
A private family service will be held at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, with interment beside his beloved Haydee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Joe and Haydee Smeets.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 23, 2025
