Obituary of Jan deVries

If you get to play sports in heaven Dad is most likely coaching a soccer team and if you can drive on the streets of Gold, count on Dad to be giving driving lessons or bringing people places…he loved to drive. 
 

On January 1, 2024 peacefully and his 93rd year, Jan deVries went to be with his Lord. Jan was the beloved husband of Anna for almost 68 years. Loving father of Cathy (Wayne d. 2013) Conrad, Jack, Rob (Julie), Ben (Cathy) and Chris.  He was a much loved Opa of Christina, Allyson, Melanie, Bradley, Jennifer, Gabriel, Emily, Billy, Timmy, Cody, Jesse, Ashleigh, Ellysia, and Jacob as well as 25 Great-Grandchildren. He was the youngest brother of Wim and Toos, now deceased. 

Dad was born January 24, 1931 in Hilversum the Netherlands, where he lived and worked and married his beloved wife.  He took a leave from Phillips telecommunications to serve in the Korean war for almost 2 years and upon returning home, he obtained his machinist designation before immigrating to Canada in 1956. Dad was skilled at many things, including carpentry and automotive repair to name a few.  He often would make things for his children and grandchildren and served his church in many ways, including various committees, prison ministry and up to his 80s, he would drive people to their medical appointments. Giving up his license a few years ago was extremely difficult for Dad. When he wasn’t serving in his church, he could always be counted on to be helping his children, repairing or building things coaching soccer for many years as well. Dad was a quiet, but incredibly strong man, a gentle giant, with a quiet sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye. 

Cremation has taken place. To honour Dad, we will be having a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, January 27th at 1:30 p.m. at the Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek, with an opportunity to meet with the family beginning at 12:30 p.m, To watch the Livestream of the Funeral Service, please CLICK HERE. A reception will follow the service at Summit Heights Retirement Residence at 2126 Rymal Rd. E. in the multipurpose room main floor, starting at from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.  Special thanks to the nurses at Juravinski hospital E2 level for the great care of Dad, in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations to World Vision would be appreciated by the family.  Online condolences and notes of sympathy may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca