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JOHN DEKOCK Obituary pic JOHN DEKOCK Obituary pic JOHN DEKOCK Obituary pic JOHN DEKOCK Obituary pic

JOHN DEKOCK

Born: Jan 18, 1928

Date of Passing: Apr 04, 2014

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JOHN DEKOCK Peacefully, with grace and dignity, our dad John deKock passed away on April 4, 2014, surrounded by people who loved him. He is survived by his wife Betty, and five children, Linda (Len Loewen), Dianne (James Kingdon), Glen (Julie), Chuck, Sue (Andrew Hodson), and grandchildren Whitney, Alexa (Derrick), Neil, Eric, Ryan (Melissa), Alexander, Julia (Tyler), Ben, Celina, Charli, Kate, Sam, and Becky. He also leaves behind his surviving brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews in the Netherlands, and his large extended family here in Canada. Dad was born near Edam, North Holland, on January 18, 1928. He immigrated to Canada with a group of friends in 1952, after a stint in Indonesia with the Royal Dutch Forces awakened a desire to see more of the world. He saw Canada as a land of opportunity, and after a lifetime of hard work he still felt the same way. He met and married the love of his life Betty (Goring) here in 1955, and together they bought a small farm and began their family. Later Dad became a trucker, eventually owning his dream truck, a Peterbilt. He chose not to have a truck with a sleeper cab, as he didn't want to sleep too long, and so spent years sleeping over the steering wheel. A milestone for all of us was when he made a Million Miles' in a Mack truck, which he did in six years instead of the usual ten. Dad had a gift for being happy and taking pleasure in the small things. He especially loved anything Dutch, growing and eating potatoes, and being with his family. We would like to thank Dad's wonderful Oncology doctors and nurses, especially Dr. Daenick, and his Palliative Care nurses, especially Shannon, Stella, and Andre. Your care made such a big difference to all of us, but especially to Dad. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2014 at 2:00 p.m., at the Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg, MB. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dad's memory to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. Think of him the next time you stand under a blue sky in the sunshine, a place he loved to be.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2014

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

  • BETTY AND FAMILY - PLEASE ACCEPT MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES. I CERTAINLY ENJOYED JOHN'S PARTICIPATION AT LINE DANCING. - Posted by: LEE LISCHYNSKI () on: Apr 13, 2014

  • John was one of the most sincerely good men I have known. He would go anywhere, do anything, to help anyone in need, and he set such a good example for his family. His kids are his legacy, and they will be there for you Betty. I am so sorry I couldn't be there today, but Patti and Terri reported on the wonderful tributes and stories. - Posted by: Joan McConachy (Sister-in-law) on: Apr 11, 2014

  • On behalf of Hanne and I, please accept my sincere condolences. We unfortunately cannot attend the service tomorrow but we will be thinking of you. - Posted by: Ole Hansen (Friend) on: Apr 10, 2014

  • John was no doubt one of the hardest working old truck drivers I ever knew. I first met him while he was drvivng for Paul's up to Thompson in the early seventies. I remember my Dad Fred, telling me how he would see John stop alongside the highway, get out of the truck and start skipping on a rope to wake himself up and keep in shape at the same time. John and I trucked to Penticton in the early 80's. we would layover night waiting for our loads to come back from Vancouver and share motel rooms on Lake Okanogan. One particular morning, I got up and went outside on the balcony and retrieved a cold beer. John came out to roll and have a smoke and commented his boys had beer for breakfast but he never had. I offered him one joking it was about time he did. He laughingly accepted and we stood there together watching the sun come up over the beautiful lake. It is a very pleasant memory I have of John that i will continue to cherish and wanted to share. Rest in peace old truck driving friend. My sincere condolences to all his family. - Posted by: Peter Polet (friend) on: Apr 09, 2014

  • Our condolences to the DeKock family. My family lived next door to the DeKock family on Varennes for many years and watched the family grow up. John and Betty were wonderful neighbours to my parents in their later years and I will always remember their kindness. John was a good man who will be missed. Bill and Claudia Senkiw(Martin) - Posted by: Claudia Senkiw (Martin) (old neighbour) on: Apr 09, 2014

  • John and Betty have been part of my life for over 60 years. My late husband Clem and I (also Dutch immigrants) shared many happy times together especially in the early farm days. My sympathy and condolences to the dekock family. Love from, Rita Marcker. - Posted by: Rita Marcker (long time friend) on: Apr 09, 2014

  • While I didn't know your Dad very well I do remember his zest for life and his sense of fun and laughter. I was honoured to have been around the dinner table with him on a couple of occasions and will remember the hearty toast of "heep, heep, heep"! Sending love to all of you - Carmen and Rick - Posted by: Carmen Neufeld (Friend of Dianne and Jim) on: Apr 09, 2014

  • My family and I lived a couple houses down from the deKock family as a child on Varennes Avenue. Mr. deKock would always pay me $5 to change his wrist watch every spring and fall, which made me feel both rich and clever, although now he was quite capable of doing it himself. :) He would always take the time to stop and visit whenever I walked by their home, even though I was a child and didn't have much useful to say. Thinking about him and these moments brought a smile. He was a very caring and sweet man, and I'd like to offer my most sincere condolences to his family during this time of mourning. May the stories we share help you remember him always. - Posted by: Jeff Shelby (Neighborhood friend ) on: Apr 08, 2014

  • Dear Betty and families Our deepest sympathies on the loss of such a good man. We believe he was welcomed by his dear friend Theo and is at this very moment sharing stories with him over a drink. May your memories provide you strength. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Annette Knook and family - Posted by: Annette Knook () on: Apr 08, 2014

  • My condolences to the entire DeKock family at this time. I fondly remember Mr. DeKock as I grew up down the street. I spent much time in the DeKock family home with my childhood best friend Sue, and siblings Linda, Diane, Glen and Chuck, and Mrs. DeKock (Betty), who was like a second mother to me during my formative years. May you all find peace. Love Nancy Bagley - Posted by: Nancy Bagley (Neighborhood Friend) on: Apr 08, 2014

  • Ron & I send our condolences to all the families and especially to my "Chuckie" Love & Hugs..."Momma Lil" - Posted by: RON & LIL WALRAVEN (DARRYL'S MOM) on: Apr 08, 2014

  • I will always remember Onkle John for his quick and infectious laugh and for the sincere interest he always took in everyone in his life. He was a man who loved deep as well as wide; I consider myself blessed to have had him in my life. - Posted by: Jeff Goring (Nephew) on: Apr 08, 2014

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