Of Benmiller and Goderich, Ontario. At the age of 99 years, Cor passed away peacefully at the Ritz Villa long term care home in Mitchell. Beloved father of Leonard de Vries (Jacqueline) of Toronto and Cora de Vries (Robert Tetu) of Huron East, grandfather of Courtney of Toronto and Dominique of Golden BC, great-grandfather of River and Indie of Toronto.
Predeceased by his wife Janny de Vries (van Berkel) in 2001 and ten siblings in the Netherlands. Born and raised in Amsterdam, he immigrated to Canada with Janny in 1951 and together they made a home on their dairy and broiler farm near Benmiller. In the early years, he also worked at a Goderich lumber yard, where he came to know many folks from the Goderich area.
After raising their two children, Cor and Janny retired from farming and moved to Goderich in 1991, to a home where Cor continued to live after his wife’s death, until his hospitalization in November 2021 and his subsequent passing at the Ritz Villa.
A kind, generous man with an easy manner and great sense of humour, he was adored by his Canadian family and many nieces and nephews in the Netherlands, who often came to visit. He was known as “Opa” by his grand and great-grandkids, and even by some of his friends’ children.
Cor was well-respected in his community, always being involved with the Clinton Christian Reformed Church, a church which he had helped to build in 1954. He very much enjoyed working with his neighbours and farming associates in the Benmiller area.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
The family will receive friends at McCallum & Palla Funeral Home, Goderich on Friday May 6, 2022 from 6–8 PM. Funeral Service will be held at Clinton Christian Reformed Church on Saturday May 7, 2022 at 10:30 AM. Interment Colborne Cemetery. The family requests the wearing of a mask or face covering for visitation and funeral service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation gratefully acknowledged.
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).
Panc and Janny Eikelenboom - van Berkel
Dear Cora, Leonard and other family,
Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father and grandfather.
Thank you for allowing us to experience the funeral service here in The Netherlands. Because we are not fully fluent in English, one of our daughters translated parts of the service for us. Leonard, beautiful were the memories you shared with us. The songs you had chosen were known to us (they exist in Dutch too) and we could fully experience them. Thank you for all this, we wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Panc and Janny Eikelenboom – van Berkel
Mary Ann and Carmen Drost
Cora and Rob and family. Our sincere sympathy with the passing of Cora’s father. What a remarkable age and a life well lived. You will all miss him very much. May warm memories comfort you. Our condolences to all of Cor’s family at the this difficult time.
JONI REINHART(SCHOEMAKER)
Cora, so sorry of the passing of your father. You were a amazing daughter.
Anne DeVries ( Doelman)
Dear Family of Cor DeVries
My parents when were young visited regularly with your parents . My Dad Jacob(Jake) Doelman was a first cousin to your motherJanny . As kids we called them Om & Tante . I remember your dad as a handsome friendly man with good sense of humour . Good memories to remember in times of sadness . Anne
Herb and Sherry Marshall
Dear Cora, Leonard and family. We are very sad to learn of your father’s passing. He and Cora have been such a welcome part of our weekly routines; his gentle and always gracious conversation was something that our staff always enjoyed. We wil think of him often and know that his long life has left a bounty of memories for the generations that follow him.
Sincerely and with condolences, Herb and Sherry Marshall.
Cindy Fisher
Cora and Rob and family – our sympathy to you in the passing of your dear father.
Cindy and Con
Ron Vanderlinde
We were saddened to learn that another of our parents’ friends has passed on. Cor and Janny were good friends with my parents, and Cor and my dad leaned on each other after they had each lost their spouses. We will always remember your dad’s warm, easy going personality.
Beatrice Shears
We are saddened to hear that your father passed away. Please accept our deepest sympathies with the passing of your father. May God’s love and mercy strengthen you and your family.
Sherry Boyce
Cora, on my way out of “The Ritz” on Tuesday night I noticed a framed memorial on the wall beside the elevator, indicating that your father had passed away.
I was so saddened to learn of your loss.
Please accept my condolences and my thoughts are with both you and Rob at this very difficult time.
Sherry
Jamie Landesberg
Leonard and Family: Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences in this difficult time. Wishing your family peace and healing.
Audrey Vanden Heuvel
Cor and his late wife were long time friends of my parents. With fond memories. Condolences to the family.
Frank Mondelli
Our sincere condolences from my family to yours.
A remarkable life and family.
God Bless
Larry and Dianne McGrath
Cora and Rob: Our condolences are extended in the loss of your beloved father and father-in-law. Our thoughts are with you.