Obituary of Richard (Richie) Elliott Vanderwerf

VANDERWERF, Richard, Elliott (Richie)On Saturday, August 6, 2011 with his family at his side, at the Toronto General Hospital, at the age of 46. After a long and hard battle with a debilitating illness; which he fought with determination, strength and a sense of hope and expectation. Best friend and soul mate of Andrea Rogers, loving step-father to Kayla, beloved son of Peter and Helena, dear brother to John, Andrew and Marie, Lisa and Ken Bohnert, Veronica and Steve Shea. Son-in-law to Joe and Frances Topolovec and brother-in-law to Peter and Poppy. Will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews Danielle, Colleen, Amanda, Emma, Evan, Pieter, Kyle, Teddy, Luke and Brody. Richard leaves behind a large family of Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and friends who have been with him since childhood. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at the Juravinski and Toronto General Hospitals for the care, sincere devotion and support given to Richard. Visitation will be held at the Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek, on Wednesday, August 10, from 6:00-9.00 p.m. Prayers at 8:30 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Thursday, August 11 at 11:30 a.m. Cremation to follow. Donations to the Trillium Gift of Life would be appreciated; consideration to signing Organ Donation Cards was Richard’s sincere wish.