Martin VanHeesch

A photo of Martin VanHeesch

Service:

Private

Martin VanHeesch

Today on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, we celebrate the reunion of our Dad, Father-in-law, Opa and Great Opa with his beloved wife Diny, in heaven.  He leaves behind 87 years of very fond memories.

Dad was born St. Oedenrode, “The Vogelzang”, Netherlands on September 17th, 1933, to Johannes and Marie (van der Heijden).  He was part of a large, loving and boisterous family; Toon (Betsie), Bert (Truus), Jan (Mien), Ben (Annie), Leo (Betsie), Rikie (Wim), Laura (Ad), Mia (Ben).  Seeking new adventures and opportunities, Dad and his best friend Harry Bongers immigrated to Canada in 1958.

Few years later, while dancing up a storm at the Dutch Social Hall one day, Dad met his one and only true love, Diny Nooyen.  It was the start of an unequalled love story and they were married on May 5, 1962.  Dad was always at Mom’s side; whether dancing at a wedding, playing cards with his family and friends, working in the barns and fields, or planting a vegetable or flower garden.  Even after Mom passed away in 1998, his devotion continued as strong as ever.  Family was everything to Dad, and being part of Diny’s family, Harry (Christine), Wim (Monique), Pete (Toos), Arnold (Rikie), Marius (Mary), Jo (Chris) was integral to Mom and Dad’s everyday life.

Dad was not given an opportunity for a formal education, his work ethic and interest in world events made him wise beyond his years.  He loved debating issues of the day and cheering on his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.  He was industrious, moving from numerous odd-jobs to building a successful farm.  He continued to farm with Ronny in his later years, until his dementia made it difficult to continue.  Slowly and progressively forgetting essential details, Ronny took on the responsibility to tending to Dad’s every need; answering the phone at all hours of the day.  Elly and Brian are eternally grateful to Ronny for his tireless devotion to Dad.

Dad was a devout Catholic, the epitome of kindness and generosity and doing what was right, even when it was the harder path to follow.  He was a true gentleman and role model, emphasizing education, hard work, sports and respect for each other.  These values live on in his children Elly (Chris) Ronny (Kelly), Brian (Manju), his grandchildren Jessica (Jordan), Joy (Lucas), Justin (Silvana), Jordan, Brianne (Darren), Bryn (Niki), Kourtlan, Konnor (Samantha) and Sasha and his great-grandchildren Skyler, Pearce, Mia and Ella.  Dad loved nothing more than having children around, to spoil them with treats and gifts.

It is so hard to say goodbye to someone who leaves us with so many fond memories and an example to live by. Dad, we hope to make you proud! And we know we will hear your words of wisdom, if we falter.

It gives us all comfort, peace and joy to know that you are reunited with Mom to continue your love story.

Love ya, love ya love ya.

A private funeral for Martin will be held on Saturday.  Family and friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer Society  https://alzheimer.ca/chathamkent/en/take-action/donate or the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://www.chathamkenthospice.com/donate/.

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Martin was a good friend to the Vleuten family and we went to school together and grew up across the road in Ste Oedenrode from each other. When we were kids in the war we went looking for German soldiers together after there had been a battle in our neighborhood. We reconnected in Canada and went to dances at the Belgian club and I remember he used to work at Frank Peter’s tobacco farm in Innerkip. I was wondering if he was still alive after seeing some pictures in an old album of his brothers and sisters. My daughter searched for him and I see he just passed away in November. Please accept my condolences on behalf of the Vleuten family. Sending Gods blessings to you and your families. This write up was a beautiful description of your dad.

So sorry for ur loss martin. Was a great guy to talk He will be miss by all of. R i p. Martin.

We just heard about the passing of Martin. Please know we are thinking of you and know he will be missed. Sending hugs and condolences to all.

We’re so sorry for your loss, but we share the luck of having been born into fabulous families with fabulous parents and fabulous upbringings! May your memories bring a smile to your faces and laughter your conversations very soon. Hugs! Melissa and Stephen.

Sorry for your loss. He will always be in the memories you have made.

Ronny and family, I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. Martin was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all

Our sincere condolences to your family.

Me deepest condolences to your families. Thinking of you all.

Ron and family, So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Hoping your many memories of such a kind and gentle soul will comfort you during this difficult time! Jill, Kevin Dell and family

VanHeesch family, Our sincere condolences with the loss of your dad /opa. Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and held so dear. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Cor & Betty Poels Steve & Brenda Tremblay Hilde Kennedy

Please accept our sincere sympathy in the passing of Martin, our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this very difficult time. May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you.

Please accept our sincere sympathy in the passing of Martin, our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this very difficult time. May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you.

My deepest condolences to all of you with the loss of your wonderful father and Opa and my uncle Martin. I will never forget the day in April 1984 when he welcomed me with open arms at the Chatham train station. Having just emegrated from Holland he was so proud to have a nephew from the van Heesch side in Canada All my love and prayers Henry van Heesch

To Elly and the rest of the VanHeesh family my sincere condolences with the loss of your Dad and Opa. Joanne Monden, Mitchell, Ont.

My condolences to the entire VanHeesch family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Brian, Manju, Sasha and family. What a wonderful description of such a beautiful life and man. Our condolences to you.

A beautiful, heartfelt tribute to a man that left behind a legacy to be proud of and to live up to. Our thoughts are with everyone in the family as you say goodbye to Martin and as you continue to process such a great loss. xo

My sincere condolences to the family. Take Care, John Uher

Our deepest condolences to Ronny and Kelly and the entire VanHeesch family. We have many wonderful memories of your dad - he was always kind and very easy to talk to. We hope you are comforted by the fact that he was so well loved by many that knew him. Mya and Allen DeBrouwer

Our deepest and heartfelt condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

All my love, prayers and condolences are being sent to everyone in the family.

Our sincere condolences to the entire family, our thoughts and prayers are with you Scott and Janice Vandehogen

Our deepest sympathies to the families

so sorry for your loss. Martin was always a pleasure to speak to, a smile on his face at all times, it was obvious he enjoyed life.

Ronny, Kelly and Family. Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Sorry to hear about Uncle Martin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.

We wish the family all a lot of strength with the death of uncle Martien. And a special thanks to Ronny and Kelly for taking such good care of our uncle.

So sorry for your loss. My condolences to the whole family. Have so many fond memories of the times spent together in my younger days. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Ronny Kellly and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you

Ronny/Kelly & families So very sorry to hear of your dads passing. Keeping you & your families in our thoughts & prayers. Hoping all the wonderful memories bring you some peace during this difficult time.

Ronny, Kelly and your family. Sending our Condolences and our love and prayers. May God grant you peace knowing your Mom and Dad are together again. Sincerely, Don and Myra Pettit.

Our deepest sympathies to Brian, Manju and Sasha and the entire Van Heesch family. Our thoughts are with you.

Gecondoleerd veel sterkte Truus van Heesch

Kelly and Family, so sorry for your loss! Sincerely, Linda Stonehouse-Paling

My condolences to you Ron and your family on the loss of your father. I,m sure he is very proud of you.

Ronny and Kelly May your faith in God help you through this difficult time. Keep your memories close. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

My deepest condolences to you all. Thinking of you!

I am so sorry for your loss Elly, Chris, Jess, and Joy. Thinking of you guys!

My condolences to the entire family

Gecondoleerd en veel sterkte gewenst met dit verlies. Betsie van Heesch

We heard of the death of my Gotfather Uncle Martin and wish you all strength in these sad days. Jan&Jeanne van Heesch from Sint-Oedenrode

Heel veel sterkte 💕

Very unexpected, my condolences and a lot of strength to you and your family.

My Confolence to the whole family . ❤️ loves and strength from Holland .🍀❤️

I wish I could have known Opa, it sounds like he lived an amazing and fulfilling life. My deepest condolences to the entire family. Wishing you comfort in the thought of Martin and Diny back together again.

We are sorry to hear of Martin's passing. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

Our sincere condolences to the VanHeesch family. May the fond memories of your Dad, Father-in-law, Opa and Great Opa help you through the next few weeks.

My Condolence to the whole family. Martin was my next door neighbour my brother in Law my friend. We shared lots of good times together as a close knit family who all lived together on Burk line.Martin was a top Joke teller when he was young & Diny & Martin would make us laugh all night when we got together .Birthdays where always so much fun& I will miss my last neighbour.

Martin always had a smile and kind word whenever I saw him which was usually at church..he will be truly missed but what great memories you are all blessed with

Our deepest sympathy to Ronny/Kelly and the family. Martin was always such a kind caring gentleman. May he Rest in Peace-

So very saddened to hear of Martin's passing. 💞 May Love and cherished memories bring you all peacein this very difficult time. 💕💕

so sorry for your loss.

My deepest sympathy Ronny, Kelly and family.

Our condolences to Brian, Manju , Sasha and the entire Van Heesch family. We are sorry for your loss. All our love Anju and Sheldon

My deepest sympathies to Ronny and the entire Van Herschel family.

So sorry for your loss. I could not agree more with the statement that he was a true gentleman.

Brian, Elly& Ronnie and families; We are very sorry for your great loss. Martin was a great neighbour. Always had a smile. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and this most difficult time.

My condolences to Ronny and the Van Heesch family.

To all the family, please my sincere condolences on the passing of Martin, he was a very good man and friend that I will never forget. May he Rest in Peace