Johannes "Joe" Vander Wees

Johannes ChristoffelVander Wees Many in Thunder Bay know Joe Vander Wees from The Greenhouse, City Council or the many boards he sat on. We know him as husband, father and Opa. Joe was a wonderfully kind, positive man, who always had a funny story to tell. Joe believed that family was the most important thing in life. Living through the German Occupation of the Netherlands during WWII, the Vander Wees family grew close. In 1952, they emigrated to Canada, arriving at Pier 21. Making their way to the Lakehead, the family settled on Townline Road. It wasn't long before a beautiful girl with blonde hair caught his eye and they began dating. After passing the long driveway test, Joe married Laura Paulusma in August, 1954. A year later John was born, followed by Keith, Beverley and Robert. During the first few years, Joe held many jobs. He worked on a Dairy Farm, at Can Car, and delivered eggs for his brothers, who had started the Poultry Farm. In 1960, Joe and Laura started Vander Wees Greenhouses. They grew bedding plants which Joe delivered to clients and they also grew produce to sell at the market. Although the early years were full of hard work, all four children look back fondly on those times and credit their work ethic to Joe and Laura's determination and persistence. In 1974, John joined his parents in the business. This allowed Joe some time to give back to the community. He served on the Lakehead Board of Education for many years, and then ran for city council as alderman for McIntyre ward and later as Councillor-at-Large. Joe sat on many boards and committees and a few that stand out are his time on St. Joseph's board and the city Beautification Committee. He had a great love of all things cultural and worked hard for the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, after being one of the strongest advocates for its construction. Music was always important to Joe. Every week he played 'Oh Canada' at his rotary club, to which he belonged for over 30 years. Joe was also choir director of the Barbershop Chorus and music director at various churches throughout the city. Many happy evenings were spent enjoying the Thunder Bay Symphony at the Auditorium. He was exceptionally pleased that Thunder Bay was home to a world class orchestra. Joe was very proud that he was a third generation greenhouse operator. He had a true passion for growing plants, and his large garden was a testament to his green thumb. In later years, tomatoes became a specialty, and he concentrated on this area of the business. Right up to the end, Joe made daily trips to the greenhouse and loved to mix with the customers and staff. Helping people solve their problems, be it plant related or city business, gave Joe a purpose and he always tried his best. Joe was a genuine people person, and whomever he was talking to, he made them feel like the most important person in the world. Joe was blessed with five grandchildren, Christopher, Angie, Jack, Will and Finn. He always had time to chat, read a story and chauffeur them to activities. They in turn always had time for Joe, as visits, emails and telephone calls were frequent. Joe left them with many lessons and stories and most importantly, the knowledge that family is everything. Survived by his wife of 60 years, Laura, children: John (Chom), Keith (Elaine Thorne), Beverley (Jack Riley), Rob (Karen Fron) grandchildren: Dr Chris Vander Wees (Dr Heather Hillsburg), Angela (Rob) Roy, Jack, Will and Finn Vander Wees. He also leaves behind siblings, Ann Vandenberg, Trudy (Hank) Storm, Harry (Martha) Vander Wees, Gerry (Joyce) Vander Wees, William (Betty) Vander Wees and sisters-in-law Susan Vander Wees and Alice Vander Wees. Predeceased by parents, Johannes and Cornelia, brothers Jaap, Len and Keith, sister-in-law Celia and brother-in-law Art Vandenberg. It was a tradition of Joe and Laura's that they meet up at 4:00pm everyday for a drink and chat about the day's events. To continue their custom of a daily "symposium", we invite friends and family to a 4pm celebration this Friday, November 14, 2014, at the DaVinci Centre. A formal program will begin at 4:00pm, followed by fellowship. Joe was always impressed by the good work done by The Salvation Army and asked that donations be considered to this organization. The family looks forward to seeing you at 4:00 Friday, at the DaVinci. If you can't attend in person, raise a toast to a lovely man who had a smile for everyone. On-line condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com "