Tim Vander Welle

Tim Vander Welle passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, October 23rd at Hilltop Manor, Cambridge Ontario in his 101st year. Predeceased by his wife (2018), Margaret (nee Verkerke), Tim was the dear father of daughter Jane Uncer (Wayne), sons Abraham Vander Welle (Helen), William Vander Welle (Charmaine) and Tim Vander Welle (Lesley). Dearly missed by many grandchildren, great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Tim is predeceased by fifteen siblings. Born in Ooltgensplaat, Holland in 1920, Tim lived through 100 years of amazing history. As the youngest of 15 children, Tim worked through the depression as a farm labourer for $0.08 per hour with his brothers. Tim had a passion for soccer and was being recruited for the English premier leagues when World War 2 started. During World War 2, Tim was picked up by German troops and was also held as a prisoner of war and forced to work in a labour camp for 12 months. Working conditions were very harsh and Tim weighed only 96 pounds when the Allies freed the camp in 1945. Shortly after the war Tim married the love of his life Margaret and they shared 72 wonderful years together. There was a huge flood in Holland in 1953, Tim and Margaret decided to leave the homeland and start their dream of owning a dairy farm in Canada. Eight months after coming to Canada in 1954, they bought their 200 acre farm outside of Ayr. They ran their dairy farm for 20 years until they moved into the village of Ayr. Tim worked at the Cambridge hospital for 15 years, and also as a caretaker at various businesses in Ayr until he stopped working at age 85. A long time resident of Ayr, Tim and Margaret were members of Knox United Church for the past 35 years. Tim has always been proud of his Dutch heritage from windmills in the backyard to performing traditional Dutch dances with Margaret. Tim's favourite hobby has been mastering many rug hooking projects. Friends are welcome to attend the Visitation at Kipp Funeral Home, 183 Northumberland St. Ayr, on Thursday, October 28th from 2 - 4 p.m. or from 7 - 9 p.m. or a celebration of life on Friday, October 29th at 11:00 a.m. at Knox United Church in Ayr. Interment Ayr Cemetery. ATTENDEES FOR VISITATION OR SERVICE MUST RSVP through funeral home website. Due to Current Covid 19 Guidelines, masks must be worn and social distancing maintained. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knox United Church (Ayr) or the Cambridge Hospital in memory of Tim Vander Welle. Online condolences and donations may be arranged through wmkippfuneralhome.com or by contacting Wm. Kipp 519-632-8228.