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The Green Family posted a condolence
So sorry and saddened to hear of your loss. I have read Opa's story here and through tears, feel only part of the loss that all of you must be going through. What wonderful memories you have of him. Hopefully these will help to endure the days ahead and forever keep a smile on your hearts when you think of him
V
The family of Theodorus Van Stralen uploaded a photo
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
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The family of Theodorus Van Stralen uploaded a photo
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
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The Green Family lit a candle
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
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So sorry and saddened to hear of your loss. I have read Opa's story here and through tears, feel only part of the loss that all of you must be going through. What wonderful memories you have of him. Hopefully these will help to endure the days ahead and forever keep a smile on your hearts when you think of him
C
Anonymous lit a candle
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
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Theodorus Van Stralen
Theodorus Van Stralen
April 14, 1925 November14, 2012
Theo was born on April 14, 1925 in Sijbekarspel Holland. He was the eldest of 10 children. He worked very hard in a small fruit business while growing up. Music was his hobby. He was a member of the Fanfare St Pancreatius and played the piston (trumpet) for many shows. His family went through hard times during the Second World War. He narrowly escaped being arrested by the Germans, who would take young men and force them to work in the war industry in Germany. Shortly after the end of that war another war was announced in the Dutch colony of Indonesia. Theo was called to fulfill a mandatory three year military service. He served with the Dutch army from 1946 to 1949 and received a Purple Heart.
He married Theresia on March 12, 1953 and immigrated to Canada right after. He worked for Schenk Farms before getting hired by General Motors in 1954. At that time work wasn†™t very steady so during lay off times he would work in the tobacco fields in Simcoe. Even when work was steady he always picked up a second job picking fruit in the summer and pruning grapes in the winter. He did everything he could to support his growing family, which kept growing to eight children. As the children got older, they to would help out on the farms picking fruit and tying grapes with the proceeds going to the family.
His love of landscaping and gardening carried over to many part time jobs including, keeping up the grounds at Star of the Sea Church in Port Dalhousie.
When he wasn†™t working in the fields you could find him on the couch listening to music. It didn†™t matter what type, he enjoyed everything. He was quick to share any new piece of audio equipment and show you how it all worked with a boyish excitement.
He never stood still for very long. You would often find him in the driveway tinkering with his cars, whether they needed it or not, with his sons quick to hand him tools and assist.
It didn†™t matter what the situation was, if someone would say anything, a smirk would come across his face and you would know that his quick wit would come out with a funny line.
He was a man of simple pleasures; a few peanuts (3), a piece of Chocolate, some sweet wine and a bike ride through the park in Florida were his ideal pastimes. He enjoyed the many family gatherings and would even dance to Michael Jackson, do a country dance with a granddaughter, or even try to eat with chopsticks. He was willing to do almost anything when it came to Family.
Theo (Dad) (Opa) was respected and loved by all who knew him and will be missed more than words can express.
A
Angela Barr and David Munday posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Jane,
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. Please send our condolences to your mother and siblings.
J
Jody Gravelle posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Teri, Pete & Family:
So truly sorry to read of the sudden loss of your father. Although I only met him a couple of brief times, I can recall hearing many wonderful stories about him. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
M
Maria van bussel/family posted a condolence
Monday, November 19, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time;with deepest sympathy..the Van Bussel family
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