Jan "John" Lentz

Mr. Jan Lentz (John), age 89 years, resident of Hymers passed away peacefully at TBRHSC on Jan. 17, 2013. Dad was born Sept. 21, 1923 in Stadskanaal, The Netherlands. Growing up in Stadskanaal, Dad lived through the Great Depression and World War II. It gave him the strength of character that was evident throughout his life. He married Hilta Poppema on Sept. 20, 1954 and emigrated to Canada in the spring of 1955 to Toronto. After two years in Toronto, Dad and Mom moved to Nolalu and finally to Hymers in 1959. Dad worked hard to support his family. He spent most of his working life in Canada employed for a time at Rossyln brickyard, many years as a driver for Iron Range Bus Lines and finally until his retirement in 1988 as a custodian at Whitefish Valley Public School. Dad loved his home in Hymers and appreciated the natural beauty and enormity of the Thunder Bay area. He loved the outdoors and to fish the lakes and streams and we learned to appreciate the natural world by his influence. Dad really was down to earth and grew a large garden every year. He enjoyed working with his hands and built and repaired many things himself.Dad will be lovingly remembered by his son John Lentz, daughter Joyce (Brian) Belluz, son-in-law John Hutt, sister Margret Delint, sister-in-law Roelie Meyer (Hank). In the Netherlands remembered by sister-in-law Jacoba Van Vliet and brother-in-law Sikko Poppema. Also remembered by his grandchildren Dennis, Heather (Steve) and David Belluz, Laura and Eric Hutt and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and the Netherlands.Predeceased by his loving wife of 19 years, Hilta, in 1975, daughter, Teda Hutt, in 1987. Also predeceased by his parents Jan and Gooitske, brothers Jake and Ko and sisters Hilda, Dien and Geetje.Dad is greatly missed and will forever in our hearts be remembered. As Dad wished, cremation has taken place. Private interment will take place at a later date. On-line condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com "