Van Osch, William John – William (Bill) Van Osch passed away peacefully on August 30th, 2023 in his 95th year at Huronview, Clinton. Beloved husband of 60 years to the late Anna (2019). Bill is survived by his children Jim (Terrie) Van Osch of Kintail, Joanne (Blaise) Doherty of Waterdown, Ed (Cindy) Van Osch of Parksville, Ken (Lisa) Van Osch of Stratford, and Sally (Dave) Woodland of Moffat. Predeceased by son Bernie (Bridget) Van Osch of Kingsbridge. Cherished grandfather of twenty-three and great-grandfather of eleven.
Bill is survived by his sisters Dora Schuurmans (London) and Joan Middegaal (Clinton) and brother John Van Osch (Waterloo). Predeceased by his parents, Jack and Johanna, and brothers Jan, Peter, Antone, Jack and Joe.
Bill was born in Overloon, the Netherlands on April 16, 1929. In 1946, he entered technical school followed by nautical college graduating in 1950. He spent the next three years working as part of the engineering crews on Shell Oil tankers sailing in the south Pacific. In 1954, he emigrated to Canada to join the rest of his family who had emigrated in 1949. He arrived in Lucknow by train on March 24th at 11:30 at night during a snowstorm.
Bill and Anna met in Canada in 1956 while Anna was visiting her uncle and aunt. They were married in February 1958 at St. Joseph’s, Kingsbridge. They lived in Cornwall, Waterloo and St. Agatha while Bill worked as an insurance company boiler inspector. They moved to Kintail in 1966 and operated the Kintail General Store until 1978. Bill was a distributor for Voortman Cookies from 1974 until his retirement in 1994. In retirement he was able to devote his time and talents to the interests which led him to technical school in his youth: planning, designing, fabricating and fixing all manner of things. His signature pieces of work were woodturnings of bowls, vases, Christmas ornaments and toys. Bill enjoyed listening to music and was a member of many choirs since childhood. He also enjoyed watching baseball (Jays), hockey (Leafs) and especially soccer (ManU and Bayern Munich). He was a long-time active member of the Knights of Columbus.
Bill will be greatly missed by his family including many nieces and nephews and by Anna’s family in the Netherlands as well as by many friends in the greater Kingsbridge community – a community that was so valued and cherished by Bill and Anna. Many thanks to the staff at Huronview who cared for Bill with kindness and compassion. Visitation will be at Kingsbridge Centre (84675A Bluewater Highway, Goderich) on Monday September 4th from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. Funeral mass to be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Goderich on Tuesday September 5th at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Kingsbridge. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kingsbridge Centre or St. Vincent de Paul would be greatly appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
children of Arie Jans, Elly, Henri, Erna, Wilma, Marion, Ine Jans
we heard of the death of oom Wim, and wish you all strength in these sad days
Ann Pritchard
My earliest memory of Bill is his smiling face at the counter of the Kintail store, when I’d put my nickel on the counter to purchase a Nestle chocolate bar. Of course, as the years went by after Bill became my sister’s father-in-law, his quiet, soft-spoken presence graced many extended family gatherings. Thanks, Bill, for spreading kindly gentleness.
Paul Geurts
A lot of strength with the loss of Wim, because that’s what we call him, when he was in the Netherlands. A heartwarming man who radiates a peace that you can envy. Paul Geurts, son of Bertie Geurts-Jans.
Rita Vloet
I am now76, and am a cousin to Bill’s wife Ann. My family went to their wedding and got snowbound for 5 days and stayed with Bill’s family ( while Bill and Ann went on their honeymoon). I turned 11 during that week and still remember the good times celebrating it with the Van Osch family. My sympathies to the Van Osch family.
Sharon McClenaghan
VanOsch Family
Our sincere sympathies to you. Your father was a man of many talents and experiences that he has passed on to you.
Sincerely
Percy and Sharon McClenaghan
Anita Frayne
I would like to offer my condolences to Bill’s immediate family and to the extended Van Osch family as well. I grew up knowing and understanding that the Van Osch family was a great addition to the community and that the community was much richer for them. I have many wonderful memories associated with all of the family, as do my children. Paul loved singing in the choir with Bill, John Van Rooy and his father, Gene. He is one of the last of the “Old Guard” to go. A big tip of the hat to him!
I am away from home at this time and am sorry to miss his visitation and funeral. I will be with you in thought and prayer.
It was a privilege to have known him.
Anita Frayne
Michael Van Osch
Our deepest condolences to the family. We will all miss Uncle Bill very much. I can still remember running around the store as kids and getting a wink from him. Rest in peace.
We’ll keep you all in our prayers.
-Michael and Lisa Van Osch,
Colorado Springs.
Bill and Mary Ann Smith
Dear Van Osch Family
This is Bill and Mary Ann Smith from Grande Prairie Alberta daughter of Harry and Jo Gielen.
We remember both Bill and Anna very well.
They would be at all family events. They always made sure we had a special hello and to find out how we were doing. Along with some stories that were exchanged.
Since our side of family was smaller we had a very close and cherished contact with the whole Lucknow Van Osch families. (My mother’s cousins.)
We would like to express our sympathies to all of his family and friends. He will be missed even though he lived a wonderful long life. Sent with love and hugs.
Bill, Mary Ann and family.
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Van Osch family – You are in our special thoughts with sympathy.
Bill and Anna – will always be remembered as a special part of our community.
Sincerely – Cecelia and Don Denomme
Janet Barker
Ed, Cindy and all the family, We’re sorry for your loss. It was a privilege to have met your Dad/in-law/Opa. Your loss is Heaven’s gain! So when your hearts feel heavy, remember that your amazing reunion will come. Hugs.
Jim & Shelagh McDade
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Karla Hogan
Dear Jim, Terry, Bridget, your families and all of the Van Osch families,
I’m very sorry to hear of Bill’s death but he lived a good, long life and now will be in your mom’s arms keeping watch over all of you. Rest In Peace, Bill, you’ve earned it.
Larry & Lynn Million
Condolences to all of Bill’s family.