Johannes “John” Hendrik Van Dongen
In the presence of his wife and family John Van Dongen concluded a life well lived on June 14, 2025 at Innisfree House Hospice in Kitchener, Ontario at the age of 86. John was an amazing man who lived a blessed life.
Devoted husband to Andrea Hendrika Van Dongen (nee Verweij) for 64 years, loving dad of Bianca (Tony), Brian (Cindy), and Paul (Gwen), and reliable friend, John best role was that of proud grandfather of Alex (Sean), and Eric, Scott, Amanda (Henry) and Amy (Tyler), and Tristen, and Kohen and great grandfather of Hannah and Ashton. Dear brother of Loes, Henk, Diny, Anna, Ad, and Cees all in the Netherlands.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Adriaan Bas Van Dongen and Johanna Maria Joore, his siblings Loes Rasch and Henk Van Dongen of the Netherlands, his son Brian Van Dongen and numerous other family members who we know were there to welcome him at Heaven’s gate.
John and Andrea were married in 1961 and immigrated to Canada in 1965 not by boat, but by plane with Bianca to the Cambridge. John was known for the man with golden hands, educated at trade school and could fix, repair or build anything that came in front of him, he was a sheet metal fabricator, crane repair, tool and die maker, worked in automation. In retirement he created beautiful furniture that was heavier and better built than a Sherman tank. John and Andrea loved travelling together throughout North America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
Cremation has taken place and celebration of the man, the myth, the legend will be held Saturday June 28th at Central Presbyterian Church at 2pm 7 Queens Square, Cambridge, ON N1S 1H4. Visitation is before the service from 12:45 to 1:45. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Innisfree House and the exceptional care that they provided. As expression of Sympathy donations to Innisfree Hospice Cambridge Ontario would be appreciated by the family.
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