FELIX GERARDUS KESSEN

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FELIX GERARDUS KESSEN June 6, 1926 - August 4, 2008 With family at his side, Felix Kessen passed away on Monday August 4, 2008 at Grace General Hospital at the age of 82 years. Remaining to forever cherish Felix's memories and accomplishments are his wife Netty; son Rudy and his wife Debbie, with children Alanna and Shelby; daughter Tish and her husband Brad with their children Cole and Matt, brother Twan (Grety) and family; sister Annie and family; brothers-in-law Joe (Marie) and family, Pete and family, Johnny (Lisa) and family, Theo (Annie) and family; sisters-in-law Corrie (Felix) and family, Fien and family; Harry's family and sister-in-law Gertrude's family. He was predeceased by his mother, Maria Sophie; father Hubertus; brothers and sisters-in-law Gertrude and Hubert, Harry and Annie and Tiny. Felix was born in Meerssen, (Maastircht), The Netherlands. He enrolled in the army during the Second World War and was very proud to serve his country. He attended technical school to become a machinist and also took drafting as well. In 1961, Felix, Netty ,and Rudy came to Canada to join Netty's brothers and sister to begin a new life in a new country. Within a few years, Felix started his own business doing what he loved; woodworking. Felix Woodworking started up in 1964. He started in his basement, went on to a small shop on Sargent Avenue and then moved to Pacific Ave in 1966. He worked very hard and was very proud of his business. His employees were his family and it showed. They never wanted to leave. Hans retired 6 years ago and was with him for 37 years; Trudy is still with the company with 30 years of service and Leslie as well with 25 years. They all still saw him on a regular basis and looked up to him even though Felix retired 17 years ago. His son Rudy began working with him in the late 70's and daughter Tish followed in the late 80's along with son-in-law Brad as well. Each and every contractor, supplier and customer will all have a Felix' story to tell you. He will be greatly missed in the industry. There was only one other place that Felix would rather be than work. It was his cottage in Wendigo. In the mid 60's he bought the cottage. In the early 70's he began the additions. Felix would not want any help. He built it with his own hands on weekends. He would never stop. If people came out to visit, you had to have the Felix Tour'. The sparkle in his eyes when he showed off his work will never be forgotten. His imagination with his BBQ/smoker/oven (which we all know will still be standing in 100 years from now) his numerous outbuildings, dock, bird feeders, chicken coop and pigeon coop. His love for birds never ended. Even the morning of his death, he still wanted to go out and get another canary!? Felix's funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 12, at 11:00 a.m. in the Good News Mennonite Church, 2764 Ness Avenue. We would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Richard Blouw and wife Penny for all their help and support over the years during Felix's many illnesses, as well as our cousin Harry Pellaers for always being there for Felix. We would also like to thank Deb's brother, Pastor Rick Bettig for his constant comfort and support.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 09, 2008