Obituary of Johannes Meijer

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. John passed away peacefully at Columbia Forest Long Term Care Centre after a short battle with multiple myeloma. He will be missed by Marijke (Mary), his beloved wife of 62 wonderful years. Dear father to Nico (Vivim), Marg (Gary) Jeske, Rob (Maribeth), John (Susanne), and David. Dear Opa to 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Survived by his brother, Nico and nieces and nephews in Holland. Predeceased by his parents and sister, Annie. Born in Holland, John and Mary brought their family to Canada in 1953. As an Electrical Engineer, John worked at a number of positions and the family lived in London, St. Thomas, Stratford, Hamilton, and St. Mary's before settling in Kitchener in 1968. John accepted a position at Conestoga College where he taught technical math for 19 years, retiring in 1986. John loved carpentry and wood working and built a cottage at Conestoga Lake where the family enjoyed many happy summers together sailing the boat that he built in his family room, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and eating fresh fruits and vegetables from his massive garden. John was an avid naturalist and conservationist. He loved the natural world and knew a great deal about plants, animals, and ecosystems and he very much enjoyed talking about these things with friends and family. The family frequently went camping to Killbear and the Pinery parks. John and Mary travelled frequently to Holland, to both coasts of Canada and many places in between. They enjoyed an active social life as long time members of the Beaux and Belles square dancing club, the Merry Songsters and volunteering with the Wheeling Squares. His recent years were spent looking after Mary and looking after their house on Franklin St. He developed a passion for healthy cooking and spent time in his beloved garden. Special thanks to the staff at Columbia Forest, Dr. Irvine, Dr. Tam, Dr. Tan and the HPC Palliative team. At John's request, cremation has taken place. A memorial reception will be held in the Fireside Reception Room of the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 2-4 p.m. The family will receive guests from 2-2:30 p.m. and a Celebration of John's life will commence at 2:30 p.m. followed by refreshements. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory can be made to the Grand River Hospital Foundation by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.