Cornelis B. de Leeuw

Cornelis B. de Leeuw April 19, 1925 - September1, 2016 Cornelis B. de Leeuw (Casey), age 91, died on September 1, 2016 at St. Marguerites Manor in Calgary. Casey is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Hedwig M. de Leeuw (Ording); his daughter Marlene de Leeuw-Cain and her husband Peter; son Dingeman de Leeuw and wife Wendy; daughter Mary-Ann Smulders (de Leeuw) and her husband Jeff; and son John de Leeuw and his wife Karen. His is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Jessica Adam (Ferridge), Gwen Ferridge, Teresa Myers (Ferridge), Robert Ferridge, Naomi Stafford (de Leeuw), Neil de Leeuw, Joshua Smulders, Maeghan Smulders, Becky Smulders, Jenny Smulders, Tanya de Leeuw, Elizabeth de Leeuw and Maria de Leeuw. Casey was also blessed with 11 great grandchildren: Kaleb, Kendre, Keith, Jason, Alex, Penny, Alana, Gabriel, Austin, Colin, and Henry.

Born in Amsterdam in 1925, Casey was raised in Terrakan Indonesia until his return to Holland with his brother to attend boarding school. During WWII Casey joined the Dutch Underground fighting for Holland's liberation from Nazi Germany. After WWII ended he fought in the Dutch East Indies war for four years. In 1947 he was wounded in both legs and was awarded the Draaginsigne Gewonden, (Dutch Purple Heart). Returning to Holland in 1950, he met his wife Hedwig Ording where they were married on June 9, 1951. Following their marriage they immigrated to Canada in July 1951.

In Canada, Casey worked for BA Oil for 16 years before enrolling in the University of Calgary in 1972 and four years later he graduated with his teaching degree at the age of 51. Casey then worked as a full-time teacher and part-time substitute teacher until he was 74 years old. His love of teaching did not end there however, as he continued to give guest lectures on WWII until finally retiring for good at the age of 80.

In 1957 Casey joined the Canadian Militia where he served loyally, finishing his service with the rank of Captain in 14 Calgary Service Battalion. Casey was a devout Catholic and active in St. Cecilia's parish serving in many capacities including: the parish council, the RCIA program, and serving as a Pastoral Care Worker. Casey was also active in his local Progressive Conservative riding, serving as a director for many years. In 2003 he was nominated for the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for outstanding and exemplary contributions to his community. Casey maintained his busy schedule during his retirement years until sidelined by vascular dementia, a disease that plagued him until his death.

The funeral service will be held on October 8, 2016 at 10:00am at St. Cecilia's Parish at 321 90th Avenue SE Calgary Alberta with lunch to follow. After the funeral there will be an internment service at Queen's Park Cemetery for family members only.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 222 58th SW Avenue Calgary, AB.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Choice Memorial Cremation and Funeral Services 4715 13 St NE Calgary, AB. To view the full obituary and send condolences please go to www.choicememorial.com