WILLEM JOHANNES DEVOS

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WILLEM JOHANNES DEVOS

Peacefully on December 15, 2024, Willem Johannes DeVos passed away at the Middlechurch Home.

Left to mourn is his wife, Wilma, with whom he celebrated 70 years of marriage this past summer. He leaves behind 10 children; Dave (Hilda), Alice Marie (Fritz), Leo (Carol), Wilma (Rob), Peter (Villa), Sara (Martin), Ruth (Ben), Mary (Darryl), Rachel (Dave), and Joanne (Walter) along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He’s also survived by one brother, Johan (Ingrid), and sister-in-law, Liesje, who remains in Holland.

Bill was born July 13, 1928 in Ooltgensplaat, Netherlands. He tragically lost his mother at the age of 17 and six weeks later, baby brother Tommy. This was a difficult time for Bill who just recently spoke of how much it impacted him. He served during The Second World War in Indonesia for the Dutch Army until malaria cut his service short. He immigrated to Canada in 1951.

His intended stop was to be Lethbridge, AB, however when the train stopped in Winnipeg someone was looking for a field worker. Bill got off the train and began his career in market gardening. Bill was a market gardener his entire life on their much-loved Christie Road property. They remained on the farm for many years until moving to Transcona where he continued to garden in his back yard. He was a long time member of the Transcona Christian Reformed Church. This past summer his health condition began to decline. He spent time in hospital and then moved to the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg. We want to thank the staff for their wonderful and compassionate care during the last few months of his life.

A private service will take place at Seasons Funeral Home.

Tribute Link: seasonsfunerals.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 21, 2024