Obituary of Jan "John" Ekke DeVries
deVries, Jan Ekke "John"
John returned to his heavenly home Friday, May 11, 2018 at the age of 87. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him and ultimately gave him peace.
John was born in Zuidhorn, The Netherlands and was the son of the late Fenno and Grietje (nee Vester) deVries.
He was active in the church, serving many years as Deacon, Elder, Treasurer and President of the Calvary Choir. He worked for the Ministry of Transportation in Chapleau, Sault Ste Marie and Chatham. He was an avid gardener in his prime, still collecting seeds from his windowsill plants at Riverview Gardens.
Beloved husband of Catharina "Ina" (nee Brandes) deVries of Chatham enjoying 61 years of love and friendship.
Loving father of Cora deVries of Toronto, Carl And Nancy deVries of St. Thomas, David and Christine deVries of Newmarket and Deborah and Stephen Scott of Delaware.
Sadly missed by grandchildren, Christopher, Jarod, Hannah, Eric, Mitchell, Cassidy, Jacob and Katrina.
Dear brother of Truus and Hilko Rosema and Cees and Ity deVries all of the Netherlands, a sister-in-law Dorothy deVries of Charlottetown and a brother-in-law Fritz Datema of Brampton.
Predeceased by his brother Ekke, his sister Grace and his grandson Nicolaas (2007).
The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, ON, on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 from 3-6 p.m.
A private family interment will take place at Maple Leaf Cemetery.
The Funeral Service will be held at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 34 Victoria Ave, Chatham, ON, on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 12 p.m, with Pastor Norman Visser, officiating.
Donations in memory of John to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Arthritis Society would be appreciated.
The family of the late John deVries wish to express their sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the dedicated and caring staff of Riverview Gardens.
Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.
McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040
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