Born 1938 in Tzummarum, Friesland, the Netherlands to the late Willem de Vries and Syke (vander Veen). Devoted husband of Tini de Vries (Postma) for 64 years. Loving father of Theresa (Brady) Wilson, Susan (Arnold) Ososki, Fred (Yvonne) de Vries, Bill (Bernice) de Vries, David (Anna) de Vries, Evelyn (Dave) Mathers, Philip (Kelly) de Vries, Lisa (Kevin) Dolderman, Julie (Mark) Katerberg. Honoured Grandfather of 42 grandchildren and their spouses and Great-Grandfather of 50 great-grandchildren. He will be lovingly remembered by his large extended family of siblings, nieces and nephews and cousins, and by his many friends. Dad has been waiting his whole life to see Jesus, and after talking to everyone he met about him, he finally did. Being ushered to his reward by his favourite song “Great is Thy Faithfulness” with his loving family around him, Dad has gone to be with his Saviour. The family list is long, and the names of people he influenced much longer. Dad immigrated in 1956 and was the 2nd oldest of 17 children. Most of Dad’s career was spent as the truck driver at DeBoer’s Farm Equipment, a job he loved for 40 years and spoke of often. He was an avid reader and had an open mind full of interesting facts and thoughts. But Dad’s greatest accomplishment and richest treasure was his family. He was always available for a conversation with anyone on any topic. For those of you who were privileged to spend some time with Dad, you were blessed. A very special thanks to the home care workers who came to Dad’s home, Dr Brault, Dr Muldoon and the nursing staff at Groves Memorial Hospital. You were all wonderful! In memory of Dad, the family asks that you take some time and resources and invest in the lives of others. You will be blessed. Visitation will be on Wednesday July 5 from 2-4 & 6-9pm at Elora Road Christian Fellowship, 5696 Wellington Road 7, Guelph. Celebration of Life will be Thursday July 6 at 2pm also at Elora Road Christian Fellowship. Arrangements entrusted to the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com). As expressions of sympathy, donations may be directed to Elora Road Christian School (www.eloraroad.ca).
“AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE WE WILL SERVE THE LORD”
Joshua 24:15
A tree will be planted in memory of Jerry (Jelle) de Vries in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.