CORNELIS GODEFRIEDUS DEN OUDEN

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CORNELIS (KEES) GODEFRIEDUS DEN OUDEN It comes with great sadness to announce the passing of Cornelis (kees) Godefriedus den Ouden. With great relief in our hearts that he is now free from pain Kees passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Saturday January 7, 2017, surrounded by the love of his family. Kees was a patient, kind and devoted father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather. Born on October 28, 1929 in Zevenbergen, The Netherlands, "Kees" , "Casey" or "Opa" as he was usually referred to, lived a long and happy life with his wife, Sophia (Fia/Oma) for 63 years. Immigrating from Holland after the war, Opa worked various jobs throughout his life in Manitoba as an accountant and enjoyed his work most with Sigffuson Transportation which pioneered the clearing and cultivating of winter roads giving transportation access to northern and remote communities. It was a very rewarding and exciting time for Kees. He finished his work-life with Indequip Distribution Services Ltd., retiring at age 65. When his children were young, Kees set the example and played an active role in the community as president of the Dutch Canadian Society while gaining lifelong friends. Kees was an avid reader and had a wealth of knowledge; he could give good advice or partake in friendly banter on any issue. For over 40 years he enjoyed sailing and spending the summers with his friends and family at West Hawk Lake in the little 'trailer village'. There would be many horseshoe tournaments, beach days and campfires over the years. Kees loved curling and was a club and board member at the Pembina Curling Club for many years until the age of 80; sometimes playing four or more times a week. Anyone that knew Kees would attest that there was just a 'good' way about him; his kind and gentle demeanor would easily rub off on you and change you for the better. He had a calming effect on people with his matter-of-fact positive attitude. He was a steadfast, unwavering and loving father and a doting husband, who until the very end, could be seen holding his wife hand and giving her kisses, sitting together on the couch listening to nostalgic radio or watching sports. He loved baseball and listening to the old music and on occasion would sing along in perfect tune. His children will always fondly remember how happy their home felt as little boys, hearing their father humming a tune. Kees loved his family deeply and taught his boys respect for others, compassion and the most important thing in life, family. He was able to continue to share such joys while spending time with his grand and great-grandchildren. Kees was the pillar of his family and the last surviving member of nine siblings. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten. His family has bonded together for emotional support, just as he would have wanted. They would like to thank friends and the staff at the Victoria General Hospital and from Sterling House where they lived the past year for all of the support and love. Kees is survived by his wife Sophia; two sons, Bert (Debbie), Douglas (Melissa [daughter Jovi]), grandchildren, Lisa (Darren), Kees (Sarah), Shea and Hana, and great-grandchildren, Mieka, and Mathea. There will be a private family gathering held and any wishes to pay respects and honour Kees in lieu of flowers can be made by way of donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2017