John Van Ryswyk – 1930 – 2011

Obituaries — 28 January 2011

It is with great sadness that the family of John Van Ryswyk announces his passing on January 13, 2011.

He leaves to mourn his death, son Willem (Patti) Van Ryswyk, daughter Mary Lou (Craig) Robinson, Thunder Bay; grandchildren, Jan Van Ryswyk (Diana Stevens) of Cayman Islands, Harry (Lacie) Van Ryswyk of Elkford, BC and Vicki Robinson (fiance, David Peterson) of Kingston, ON; great granddaughters Kayleigh and Ava.

John is survived by a sister, Riet Crezee in Holland, sister-in-law, Nel Guerts of Holland, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Franz and Edna Antonissen of Victoria, BC and sister-in-law Ria Antonissen of Steinbach, MB. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive throughout Canada and Holland.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Kitty in November 2007. John was also predeceased by his brothers Garret and Cor Van Ryswyk, brothers-in-law, Mike Crezee, Piet Guerts, Stan Antonissen, John Pelikeys and sister-in-law Thea Pelikeys.

John was born in Rotterdam, Holland to Willem and Marie Van Ryswyk in 1930 and as an adult served for two years in the Dutch Marines, stationed in Aruba.

He became a painter on his return to Holland, working on naval and cruise ships. He married Kitty Antonissen on May 6, 1954. They resided in Holland until emigrating to Canada in 1957 with their son Willem (Bill). Living in Portage La Prairie, where daughter Mary Lou was born, then Emo, when he was employed at the Caribou Falls Hydro Project.

In 1960 the family moved to Dryden where he has resided ever since. John was employed at the Paper Mill for 32 years, retiring in 1992. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and especially camping out at Route Lake and later Williams Bay of Lac Seul.

John was a member of the Dryden Pole Archery Club and enjoyed going on many competitions. He was a strong influence to his family and took great pride in his grandchildren and their many accomplishments. John was blessed to see and hold his newly born great granddaughter Ava at Christmas before his untimely death. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

A funeral service was held on Friday, January 21, 1:00 p.m. at the Dryden Community Funeral Home with Mrs. V. Henderson officiating, cremation to follow.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Ave., Dryden, ON P8N 2X3.

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