Theodorus Aarts

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Gilmore Lodge on March 31, 2022 in his 88th year. Beloved husband of the late Anne Marie Aarts. Loving father of Leonard, Wilma (Robert) and Jo-Anne (Serena) Caring opa to Ky-Leigh (Evan). Dear brother of Martha, and brother-in-law of Diane and Annie. Predeceased by; his parents Leonardus and Wilhelmina, his siblings Harry (Franciska), John, Johanna (Thys), Helena (Peter), Sister Paulina, Anthony and by his brother in-laws John and Cleo. Theo immigrated to Canada in 1955, from the Netherlands and at 21 began his life journey here. Theo had many jobs but a lot of his time was spent on the farm with the horses. He also became the egg man, delivering fresh eggs all over Niagara. Eventually he became a tour bus driver, this was something he thoroughly enjoyed. Taking care of people and always with his big "Theo smile", which we all know very well! Theo had a big heart when it came to family and friends, he wouldn't hesitate to take time to teach the neighbour kids how to ride horses or take them out of town if they had an event or training to go too. In between all of this he met the love of his life, Annie. They had 3 wonderful kids, Leonard, Wilma and Jo-Anne, that he cherished along with his granddaughter Ky-Leigh who he couldn't speak enough of. He made everyone feel like family that came to their home. A couple of weeks ago he said that he wanted to be with Annie so they could plant tulips together again... so when you look up in the sky and you see beautiful colours, it will be Annie and Theo sending Tulips from Heaven. Theo will be dearly missed by his family and anyone whose lives he touched with his big smile, sense of humour and his warm welcoming. The family would also like to sincerely thank the staff at Gilmore Lodge for the care and love that they showed to Dad whom they affectionately called their "Gentle Giant". The family will receive friends at the ARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 179 Clarence Street, Port Colborne on Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Memorial Service will follow in the Armstrong Chapel at 1 p.m. with Father Peter Walton as celebrant. Interment of cremated remains of both Annie and Theo at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Wainfleet. If so desired, donations may be made to Community Living Welland Pelham.

Online photos, memories, condolences and donations may be shared at www.armstrongfuneralhome.ca