JAN (JOHN) DE LEEUW

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JAN (JOHN) DE LEEUW October 17, 1907 January 19, 2008 Peacefully, on Saturday, January 19, 2008, our dear Dad and Opa passed away. Dad was predeceased by his wife, Matje in 1989, great-grandson Nicholas in 1981 and son-in-law Ed in 2000. Dad is survived by his seven children, Gerri Del Monte, Irene Berndsen (Cor), Mary Bram (Albert), John, Nellie Defoort (Ron), Ed, and Donna Nuytten (Bill); also 20 grandchildren, Peter, John, Lydia, Corry, Bill, Nellie, Ed, Mark, Ron, Sherry, Karen, Steven, Jeff, Nathan, David, Darren, Rick, Ashlee, Thomas and Justin; 31 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. Dad is also survived by Gladys McMurachy, whom he met in 1990 and became his partner for the past 17 years. Dad was born in Middelharnis, The Netherlands, the youngest of three children. He wed our mom in 1932 and they had seven children. In May 1952, they came to Canada with five children. Son Ed and daughter Donna were later born in Canada. Their life during the war in Holland was difficult and in the early years of arriving in Canada also found them struggling. However, he always managed to provide for his family. Dad was a very hard worker whether working the fields or tending to the farm. His passions in his later years were woodworking and gardening. In October 2007, he celebrated his 100th birthday, with many family members in attendance. He truly enjoyed his party and spoke of doing it again next year. Although that will not be, we all have those happy memories with us. Rest in Peace Dad. Funeral services will be held at Green Acres Funeral Chapel on Thursday, January 24, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Viewing one half hour prior to service. Green Acres in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 22, 2008