Obituary of Clemens van der Zalm

VAN DER ZALM, Clemens - passed away peacefully in his sleep, after a courageous battle with cancer, at his residence on September 27, 2012 at the age of 74. Clemens will be forever missed by Lia, his beloved wife of 45 years, and will forever be in the hearts of his children Diana (Phil), Paul (Michelina), Jennifer (Darryl) and Robert (Julie). Opa will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Rosalia, Paulina, Katrina, Sean, Seth, Rachel and Nathan. He was the dear brother of John, Barbara and Jim. Clemens was predeceased by his infant son Paul (1968), his parents, his sister Cor and his brothers Ted, Hans, Kees and Arnold. Clemens always believed in working hard. He immigrated to Canada with his brothers, and became the proud owner and co-founder of Colonial Florist Ltd. along with his brothers Ted, Jim and Arnold. He always believed in the dignity of life and over the years has supported projects in Tanzania, Guatemala and Haiti. Clemens was also a proud supporter of the Right to Life Association. Clemens will be remembered as a generous and kind man and he will be missed with a heavy heart by both family and friends. Our deepest appreciation goes out to all who provided compassion and endless support during his last days. The family will receive friends at the George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton Street, on Saturday September 29 from 6-9 p.m. and on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral liturgy will be celebrated at St. Alfred's Church on Monday at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the St. Catharines Right to Life Association or the Niagara Warehouse of Hope (in care of Haitian Relief) would be appreciated by his family.