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March 2, 1925 to June 6, 2016
Verstoep, Adrian – It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Adrian Leendert Verstoep on June 6, 2016 in his home with his family by his side, after a brief battle with cancer. Adrian was born in Gouderak, Holland on March 2, 1925 to Leendert and Marrigje (de Jong) Verstoep. He was the second oldest of six brothers and one sister. At a very young age he began working at home helping with the chores. At age 13 Adrian went to work in his Uncle’s garden business growing vegetables for the market. As he grew older, he worked for other dairy farmers and during this time, going by bicycle, Adrian and his brother Piet took a two year agricultural course during the winter months in the evenings. They very proudly finished this course as the two top students. Then the war broke out. The family suffered through the hardships of World War II, and then in 1946 Adrian was drafted into the Dutch Army to go to Indonesia where he spent over 3 years with no breaks. In 1951 Adrian emigrated to Canada by ship. He began his new life near Brussels, Ontario living with and working for his sponsors, the Cardiff family. Adrian purchased his first farm in Monkton, Ontario in 1955, and married Shirley Lamont in the same year. In 1964 they bought a second farm across the road and lived there for 28 years while operating a dairy herd, working the land, and raising their seven children. In 1992 Adrian and Shirley moved back to their first farm into a new home that they built and retired there. Adrian enjoyed his family and his community. He enjoyed going to local dances with his wife, and was a regular at local euchre parties. He spent some time as a volunteer driver for the VON transportation program and also volunteered for Meals-on-Wheels. He enjoyed wood working, building windmills and lighthouses. Beloved husband of the late Shirley (Lamont) Verstoep who predeceased him in 2014. Loving father of Marian Hutchinson, Hugh (Pearl) Verstoep, Marjorie (David) Lindsay, Linda (Ted) Groenestege, Barbara Verstoep, Leo Verstoep, and Leona (Jeff) Donaldson. Missed by his grandchildren Rick (Jo-anne), Mitch (Ricarda), Aron (Ashley), Gina (Kristiaan), Curtis (Michelle), Sherri, Jonathan (Krista), Justin (Sarah), Carrie (Laud), Jennifer (Rob), Joey (Tasia), Melissa, Tammy (Adam), Amanda, Sarah (Scott) and 15 great-grandchildren. Fondly remembered by two brothers Willem (Truus) and Maas (Aartje), one sister Jannie (Teun) de Groot, sisters-in-law Clara, Gerrie, Josina and Rina all from the Netherlands, sisters-in-law Doris Lamont from London, Jean Storey from Stratford and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brothers Adrianus, Pieter, Jan and Leendert. Relatives and friends are invited to share their memories at the Brenneman Funeral Home, 141 John Street, Atwood (519-356-2382), on Wednesday June 8 from 7-9 p.m. where the funeral service will be held on Thursday June 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Ruth Long officiating. Interment in Brussels Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to: VON - Listowel 975 Wallace Ave. N. Listowel, ON N4W 1M6 or Atwood United Church PO Box 159 Atwood, ON N0G 1B0 appreciated by the family and can be arranged by calling the funeral home or returning to the Current Funerals page and clicking on the Make a Donation link. Please forward your cheque directly to the charity of choice at the above address.