Obituary of Camille Maurice Verstraete

VERSTRAETE: Camille Maurice - A resident of R.R. # 2 Blenheim, Camille Verstraete passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Friday, January 9, 2015, at the age of 91. Beloved husband of 63 years to the late Juliana Agnes Verstraete (nee Sinnaeve, 2011). Loving father of Roy and Luella Verstraete of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, Margaret and Jerry Haskell of Blenheim, Anita Verstraete and husband Ken Wigle of Brampton, Diana and Hani Greiss of Mississauga and Anne Verstraete and husband Gary Landa of Mississauga. Proud grandfather of Stephany Verstraete (husband David Lothian), Tyson Verstraete (Sofia), Aaron Verstraete, Tanya WahKan (Gerard), Juliana Foulis (Matt), Melinda Beswetherick (Brett), Tara Laporte (Dan), Elizabeth Wigle, Katie Greiss, Amy Greiss, Eric Greiss, Kristen Hammer (Cody), Erika Paling and Andrew Paling. Predeceased by his granddaughter Jessica Haskell. Great-grandfather to 12. Brother-in-law to Alfred DeBruyne (Madeleine), Diana Vanopdenbosche, Madeleine Verstraete. Predeceased by his siblings, Mary DeClerk (Jack), Irma Derynck (Alphonse), Henry Verstraete. Predeceased by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Irene Martin (Romeo), Germaine Sinnaeve (Oscar Minne), Peter Vanopdenbosche and Charles Sinnaeve. Also missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Camille will be remembered for his loyalty to his family, his independent spirit and his strong work ethic. He was very active in his community, including his roles as President and Secretary of the Kent Belgian Dutch Canadian Club, and as a board member of the Ontario Burley Tobacco Board and the Ontario Soybean Board. In 1986, Camille was awarded the Agriculturalist of the Year Award. Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim on Monday from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Parish Prayers will be held on Monday from 2:00 - 2:15 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 95 Marlborough St. N., Blenheim at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 with Fr. Mariaraj Irudayam celebrant. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Donations made in memory of Camille to the St. Mary's Church Restoration Fund (Blenheim) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home 141 Park Street, Blenheim 519-676-3451