van der SCHILDEN, John Dirk - John Dirk van der Schilden, of Scarborough Ontario, passed away at the age of 91 on Monday, May 3rd, 2021, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.
John is survived by the mother of his children, Frederieka, his son Michael and his wife Donna, his son Ted, his daughter Mariann, his daughter Denise and her husband Michael, his son Paul, his son John, his son Tom and his wife Kim, his daughter Cynthia, his seven grandchildren Jacci, Amanda, Marlee, Jeffrey, Bradley, Nicholle, and Emily, and his great grandchildren Charlotte, Richard, Shane, Julia, Jason, Hunter, Jack, Parker, Caleb, and Greyson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, his son Stephen, and his granddaughter Stefanie.
John was born in Utrecht, The Netherlands on July 12, 1929. His childhood was marked first by poverty, and then by the war. As a teenager, he met his future wife and the mother of his 9 children, and they married shortly before immigrating to Canada in 1952.
Once in Canada, John discovered he had a natural gift for sales when he worked as a waiter at The Royal York Hotel. From there he went into real estate, eventually opening his own business. He had a strong work ethic and a belief in his ability to make his goals a reality. At one point he was running 5 offices throughout Southern Ontario.
John had a real passion for music, especially classical. He loved to share his favourite symphonies, and was so happy when others appreciated them with him. He had a deep love of nature, marvelling with childlike enthusiasm at all its wonders, which he loved to share as well.
He was happiest when he was travelling. After retirement in 1988, he travelled extensively for over 20 years, but was home every summer. The family has many happy memories from these times, visiting him at his motorhome north of Peterborough, laughing at his jokes, funny or not, which he loved to tell.
John was a devout Catholic. He prayed faithfully and spoke of the power of his faith often. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Arrangements are entrusted with Paul O'Connor funeral home.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, in-person Visitation will be private by invitation only. A quiet, virtual Visitation will be broadcasted via live link on Sunday May 9th from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. For those who wish to attend virtually For those who wish to attend virtually please visit the following link https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/29277
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Funeral Mass will be private by invitation only. The Funeral Mass will be broadcasted via live link on Monday May 10th at 12 p.m. For those who wish to attend virtually please visit the following link. https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/29279
Due To COVID - 19 The Interment will be private by invitation only. The Interment will be broadcasted via live link on May 10th at 1:30 p.m. For those who wish to attend virtually please visit the following link. https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/29281
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