Obituary for John (Jan) DeLeeuw
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather and brother on Sept 13th, 2022.
John was born on November 30, 1940 in Delft, The Netherlands to parents Jan and Matje. He was one of seven children. In May 1952 the family emigrated to Canada and arrived in Halifax where they then continued to Manitoba by train. While only 11 years old, he worked for a farmer driving a tractor, his feet barely reaching the pedals….but to him it was fun. His payment was to be three new pairs of bluejeans…but he insisted he wanted the ones with stars on the pockets, like the cowboys wore, and the farmer did get those for him. After the harvesting was done that fall, the family moved to Brandon and then in 1954 to Winnipeg.
At age 15 John applied at Weston’s Bakery, was hired and thus began his 45 year career with that company.
Some of John’s interests were deer hunting, fishing and camping. In his early years, he would rent a cabin for the summer at Royal Lake Resort where he enjoyed boating, waterskiing and fishing. He later had a cabin on Lake Winnipeg for several years and then for the past 20+ years had a trailer at Toniata resort. While he no longer hunted, he still enjoyed going out on the water with his boys fishing and SeaDooing.
In the past several years, John was introduced to the internet and with his Laptop would spend hours viewing You-tube How-to videos, Amazon deals and topics of interest. This would lead to a constant delivery of parts and items he thought he needed. He also had a passion for Princess Auto deals and was a frequent customer.
John is survived by sons: Darren, Rick (Tanis), Steve (Laurie) and Jeff (Crystal); Grandchildren Kiara, Arianna, Katana, Trinity, Kyler, Gray and Tavin. Sisters: Geri Delmonte, Irene Berndsen, Nellie (Ron) DeFoort, Donna (Bill) Nuytten , brother Ed (Geraldine) and brother-in-law Albert Samakese. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Mary Bram, brothers-in-law Ed and Cor and also his sons’ mother Anita.
Per John’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
John was born on November 30, 1940 in Delft, The Netherlands to parents Jan and Matje. He was one of seven children. In May 1952 the family emigrated to Canada and arrived in Halifax where they then continued to Manitoba by train. While only 11 years old, he worked for a farmer driving a tractor, his feet barely reaching the pedals….but to him it was fun. His payment was to be three new pairs of bluejeans…but he insisted he wanted the ones with stars on the pockets, like the cowboys wore, and the farmer did get those for him. After the harvesting was done that fall, the family moved to Brandon and then in 1954 to Winnipeg.
At age 15 John applied at Weston’s Bakery, was hired and thus began his 45 year career with that company.
Some of John’s interests were deer hunting, fishing and camping. In his early years, he would rent a cabin for the summer at Royal Lake Resort where he enjoyed boating, waterskiing and fishing. He later had a cabin on Lake Winnipeg for several years and then for the past 20+ years had a trailer at Toniata resort. While he no longer hunted, he still enjoyed going out on the water with his boys fishing and SeaDooing.
In the past several years, John was introduced to the internet and with his Laptop would spend hours viewing You-tube How-to videos, Amazon deals and topics of interest. This would lead to a constant delivery of parts and items he thought he needed. He also had a passion for Princess Auto deals and was a frequent customer.
John is survived by sons: Darren, Rick (Tanis), Steve (Laurie) and Jeff (Crystal); Grandchildren Kiara, Arianna, Katana, Trinity, Kyler, Gray and Tavin. Sisters: Geri Delmonte, Irene Berndsen, Nellie (Ron) DeFoort, Donna (Bill) Nuytten , brother Ed (Geraldine) and brother-in-law Albert Samakese. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Mary Bram, brothers-in-law Ed and Cor and also his sons’ mother Anita.
Per John’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.