VANDERLINDE: Willem

Vanderlinde, Willem “Bill” –  Following a brief illness and surrounded by the love of his family, it is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful and unexpected passing of Willem Vanderlinde at Huronview in his 93rd year. Loving father of Ron (Shelley) and Margaret (Ernst). Cherished Opa of Halle and Lauren & Mariska and Devin. Predeceased by his beloved wife Aaltje (1993) and special companion Alie Reurink (2013). Survived by his brother Wim in the Netherlands and predeceased by 6 brothers and sisters. Bill was born on a farm in the Netherlands in 1925. As an older sibling, he was forced into a mature role at an early age, also due to the hardships of the Depression, WWII and his involvement in the Dutch underground. Following the war, he was recruited as a soldier to the Dutch army, where he served from 1946-1949 in Indonesia. He immigrated to Canada in 1952 to seek opportunity. He married Aaltje in 1953 after she joined him from the Netherlands and together they built a life together for the next 40 years. Various jobs were held, until he secured a more permanent position at Bisset’s Dairy. With 2 young children, they purchased a farm in 1966, north of Goderich where Bill lived for the next 33 years. After leaving the farm, he moved into Goderich, where he was able to enjoy retirement and the joy of being a grandfather for many years. In 2015 at the age of 90, Bill returned to the Netherlands for one final time to visit family, friends and special places. His easygoing personality and positive attitude were acknowledged and admired by all. Bill was proud and content to live independently until he was felled by illness early 2018.  Friends will be received on Saturday, March 17th, 2018 at the McCallum and Palla Funeral Home (11 Cambria Road North, Goderich) from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of choice would be very much appreciated.