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MATHEUS (MATTHEW) MARTINUS VAN BERKEL (MATT)
Born: Aug 08, 1930
Date of Passing: May 09, 2022
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MATHEUS (MATTHEW) MARTINUS VAN BERKEL
August 8, 1930 - May 9, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Matheus (Matthew) Van Berkel. Matt passed peacefully Monday, May 9, 2022, at Steinbach Bethesda Hospital.
Matt (Thys) grew up on a farm outside of Tilburg in the Netherlands. He worked on the family farm where he learned to love horses. Especially his favourites Oscar and Bobo. One of his responsibilities on the farm was to take the horse and cart and deliver milk to town. While delivering milk one day his eye caught a beautiful girl named Jean. He offered her a ride on his bike and the rest is history. They were married in 1954 and set sail for Canada to begin their new life.
Matt and Jean started life together in a small house in Prairie Grove and eventually saved enough to buy their own home. Matt started out working on the Van Gorp farm. He also worked shovelling coal and in construction until he got his job driving bus for Winnipeg Transit in 1965.
They were blessed with two sons, Robert (Claudette) and Tim (Carmen), four grandchildren, Dustin, Danielle, Ashley and Ryan, one great-grandchild Davyn and many nieces and nephews. He loved spending time with all of them. Matt and Jean were also blessed with many friends who were like family to them. Matt loved to socialize. He belonged to many clubs. He loved woodworking in his garage, gardening, bowling, dancing and watching his sports.
Matt was hardworking, caring and was someone you could always count on. He made friends easily. His favourite thing in life was enjoying a glass of wine with friends or family. He will be greatly missed.
He was predeceased by his wife Adriana (Jean), his parents, Petrus and Arnolda, his sister Martina, and his brother Henk. He will be forever in the hearts of all who knew him.
A private service will be held for the family.
E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2022
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Matt was a dear friend. He and Jean were among the first to welcome us to Canada. When Louise and I were engaged they gave us a little teaspoon with a windmill on the handle. I still have it and treasure it. Two of the nicest people I know are gone. Rest in peace Dear Friends. Tom Jones - Posted by: Tom Jones (Friend) on: May 16, 2022
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Our condolences to your family Tim & Robert. I will always remember the friendly conversations we had with your father Ty’s. I can remember as a young student we had a couple of horses on our farm and your father held them by the halter and opened there mouths and explained to me how old these horses were. I was impressed with his love for horses. We have fond memories of the families getting together and your dad and my dad loving to party and share stories. He will be missed, we met at my mothers funeral in 2019 he sat with my dad and iit was like old times with Kees Van Aert. Remembering the good times ! - Posted by: John & Patti Van Aert (Family Friends) on: May 14, 2022
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We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your father (Robert), father-in-law (Coco) and for the heartache you are all experiencing as a family! May God grant you His strength, consolation and peace. - Posted by: Gil & Mae Ross (Old neighbors of Claudette) on: May 14, 2022
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We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your father (Robert), father-in-law (Coco) and for the heartache you are all experiencing as a family! May God grant you His strength, consolation and peace. - Posted by: Gil & Mae Ross (Old neighbors of Claudette) on: May 14, 2022
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I recall Matt & Jean were such great friends to my Mom & Dad. They spent many hours chatting, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Vary sad to hear of your Dad’s passing. - Posted by: Murray McBeth (Friend of the family) on: May 14, 2022
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