Mr. Johan "John" de Vries
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John's obituary
Johan de Vries
January 16, 1945 – September 6, 2022 (age 77)
Johan "John" de Vries passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, after battling the effects of Alzheimer's for many years.
John was born in Utrecht, Netherlands in the end of World War II to parents Christina Maria Kleyn-de Vries and Hendrik de Vries.
In 1966, after completing car school, John ventured to Canada on his own to start a new life.
Settling in Ontario, John married his first wife Anneke in 1970 and together they had two daughters, Michelle and Marielle.
In 1979, John started his own business, A&J Sports & Marine in Oro Station.
Where he sold snowmobiles but most importantly continued his passion of fixing and restoring cars.
In 1988, John and his family moved out west to Nanaimo, British Columbia.
After working for several car shops and the end of his first marriage.
John took a break to rediscover himself and new passions.
John met Katherine during this self discovery, and they were married in 1995. They had a great love of travel, camping and many trips with the Citroen Car Club. They enjoyed dancing together.
John was also one of the first staff hired to work at Inuktun Services in 1993.
He challenged himself in the production of industrial robotics. John enjoyed this work immensely and only retired at the age of 70 due to the early symptoms of Alzheimer's affecting his work.
John was very easy going, the kind of guy that got along with everyone and was very dedicated to his work and family. His true passion was cars, whether he was restoring them, watching races or reading about the latest prototype.
John loved any music with a great beat and would often be found tapping his feet or whistling a tune.
John is remembered by his wife Katherine and her daughter Beverly Inglis, her son Darrell Railing, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren, his daughters Michelle and Marielle and his three grandsons Cameron, Sam and Koen, as well as countless other family members and friends.
A heartfelt thank you to Chartwell Malaspina Care Residence, where John resided for the last five years. The team in the Kingfisher wing took great care of him and kept a smile on his face.
John will be cremated however there will be no public gathering.
If anyone is inclined to do so, please donate to Alzheimer Society of Canada or give to a charity of your choice.
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