Willem Leendert Deurwaarder

Willem Leendert Deurwaarder, affectionately known as Bill, passed away peacefully in Woodstock, surrounded by the love of his family.  Born December 2, 1931 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Tanya (Boelhouwer) Deurwaarder, and their children : Ella (Jim) Balkwill, Ed (Lynda) Deurwaarder, Diana (Gerald) Klingenberg and Wayne Deurwaarder, who sadly predeceased him.  Bill was a proud Opa to Nick, Tony, Dan, Rachel, Natasha, Alyssa, Derek and Jennifer and cherished great-grandfather to Olivia, Samantha, Will, Sara, Chloe, Remy and Evie.  He will be missed by his sister, Rie and brother Kees.  Predeceased  by his sister, Ina and brothers Jan, Japp, Bram, Piet and Johan.

After completing his education as a licensed diesel mechanic, Bill went on to have a successful career as a carpenter.  He was a skilled craftsman who took great pride in his work.  In addition to his career in carpentry, Bill owned and operated a seasonal trailer park, Springwater Trailer Park in Nestleton, Ontario.  This venture allowed Bill to combine his love of the outdoors with his natural ability to connect with people and create lasting memories.

Bill was a true jack of all trades, known for his ability to repair anything that crossed his path. Whether it was a broken appliance or a faulty engine, Bill was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand.  He took particular pride in maintaining his 1996 Lincoln Town Car, a vehicle that was more than just a mode of transportation to him.  It represented his dedication to hard work, attention to detail, and the importance of taking care of the things that mattered most.

Travel was a passion for Bill and Tanya, and together they explored the country in their RV and on bus trips.  Bill's adventurous spirit and love of a new experiences brought joy to his family and friends, and his stories of their travels served as a reminder of the importance of living life to the fullest.

Bill will be remembered for his loving, kind and handy nature.  His gentle presence and unwavering support for his family will be deeply missed, but the lessons he imparted and the love he shared will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, January 18  at 2pm at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 410 Lansdowne Ave, Woodstock.   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sakura House.