Unexpected but Peacefully
Willem (Bill) van der Wiel passed away peacefully at the B.V.D. Hospital on May 13, 2006.
Bill was born in Werkendam, Holland, on July 19, 1912. He met his wife, Anne, and they married in 1936. In 1939, they made their move to Canada and settled in Houston, B.C.
They stayed for 19 years during which time Bill worked primarily in the logging industry. In 1958, Bill decided to go farming, a love of his life, and packed up and moved to southern Ontario, a true farming country. Bill also managed a Beck’s store in Toronto for a few years. In later years, as a hobby, he drove school bus until he was 79 years of age.
Sadly, Anne passed away unexpectedly in 1989. Bill was never happy to be alone so it was nice that he found a second life partner in Helen Harkema. Helen wished to return to B.C., so Bill once again packed up and moved west. Because Helen was a dear stepmother and good partner for our father, it was a great loss when she passed away in 1998. Since then, Bill was on his own with company from family and friends to sustain him.
In the last years, Bill’s only complaint was his bad knees and, after a few serious falls, he spoke to the doctor about knee surgery. He became a priority patient because of his age and because of his being such a strong man. Bill’s knee healed well and he returned to his senior’s apartment to work on his strength. Some six weeks later, he suffered a heart set-back from which he never fully recovered.
Bill was a dedicated father and a devoted husband. He was a loving, caring and giving person. He never spoke ill of others and was thankful for every little thing. He was a true believer, and lived by his faith. Dad we have no doubt as to where you are today, but we still truly miss you.
Bill was predeceased by wife Anne, wife Helen, two sons, Art and Gerard, and daughter, Anne. Bill is lovingly remembered by his children Henry (Elsie) van der Wiel, Morris (Sharon) van der Wiel, Rock (Brenda) van der Wiel, Alice (Joe) Hidber, Pauline (Bev) Harris, Pam (Ron) Walper, his two daughters-in-law, Carol and Gail, and by his many grandchildren. He will also be greatly missed by his 95 year-old sister Marie, his sister-in-law Marike, and numerous nieces and nephews in Holland.
Bill was buried in Hensall, Ontario, next to his wife Anne and son Gerard.