John Roelofsen

We are deeply saddened by the passing of John (Jannes) Roelofsen, peacefully in his sleep after a lengthy illness, in Brampton, Ontario on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at age 85. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 59 years Nelly (Neeltje, née van der Mey), his children Jeanette (Charles), Patricia (Jim), and Theresa (Tom), and his dear grandchildren Adriana, Cassandra, Fiona and Kieran. He is also survived by sisters Aaltje “Alie” (late Gerrit) and Willempje “Willy” (late Gerrit), and sister-in-law Aartje (late Willem) in the Netherlands, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Jannetje (née Schimmel) and Jan Jacob, and siblings Jan Jacob, Teunis “Ted” (late Alice), Willem (Aartje), Albert (late Helen), Gerrit (late Geertje), Jannetje “Jannie”, and Evert. He is also predeceased by brother-in-law Henk (late Margaret “Gre”) van der Mey.

John was born in the Netherlands on May 12, 1934, and immigrated to Canada in 1954. As a new immigrant to Canada, he worked several jobs from waxing bowling alleys to planting flower bulbs. He met his wife-to-be (Nelly) while working in the greenhouses of his future father-in-law. After they were married, he worked for 29 years in the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of North York. After his retirement, he enjoyed travelling with his wife, spending many lengthy summers at the cottage, volunteering, and working in the wood shop at Holland Christian Homes. John will always be remembered as someone quick to offer a hand, for his mischievous grin, and for always having at least one home or cottage project in the works.

Visitation will take place at Ward Funeral Home, 52 Main Street South, Brampton on Friday, August 23, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.

Service will take place at Heritage Hall - Holland Christian Homes, 7900 McLaughlin Rd South, Brampton on Saturday, August 24 at 1:30pm.

A reception will immediately follow the service in Horizon Hall - Holland Christian Homes, 45 Kingknoll Drive, Brampton, from 2:30-4:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Parkinson's Canada at https://donate.parkinson.ca
or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at https://www.michaeljfox.org