August 2, 1928 - July 26, 2019
Passed peacefully in his sleep on July 26th in Orillia just short of his 91st birthday. Born near Cuijk, Netherlands, the youngest of six children. He immigrated to Canada in 1952 and returned to the Netherlands in 1957 to marry Jane Giezeman. After returning to the Orillia area, they raised five children on a farmstead in Marchmont until Jane’s death in 1977. John married Yolanda Yatkowski in 1987 and became step-father to her five children. John worked at Clarke Motors/Russell Pontiac/Patterson Pontiac in Orillia for over 30 years until his retirement in 1991. They moved into Orillia and travelled extensively with their winter destination being in Florida. Survived by his loving wife, Yolanda and sister, Bernardina Baron. His loving children Peter, Hilda, Dianne MacIver, Janet and Paul (Sheila Haidon) as well as his loving step- children Roxanne Smith (Michael), Darryl Yatkowski (Dominique), Natalie Iacovetta (Eugene), Cynthia Yatkowski and Gregory Yatkowski. As well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Many thanks to everyone for their prayers. Visitation will be held at the Simcoe Funeral Home-38 James Street E. Orillia on Tuesday July 30th from 7 to 9 p.m. A celebration of Mass for Christian Burial will be held at Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church 115 West Street N. Orillia on Wednesday July 31st at 10 a.m.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.