Robert Johannes DE VRIES

1950 - 2021

ROBERT JOHANNES DE VRIES January 27, 1950 - October 18, 2021 It is with great sadness we announce the sudden accidental death of Robert (Bouke) de Vries on October 18, 2021, in Toronto. He is dearly missed by his loving partner of 40 years, Arthur Potts von der Lippe; siblings, Emma de Vries (Alan), Louise Eitel (Jeff), Joanne Edlund (Mark), Dorothy Bonvanie (Bill), Alfred de Vries (Joanne), Alice Burgsma (Byrne), Harold de Vries (Michelle), Gerald de Vries (Natasha); and brother-in-law, Rainer Leipscher. He was predeceased by his younger brother, John, and sister, Grace Leipscher. Also loved by many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends here and in Holland. Robert was born in Brampton, Ontario, January 27, 1950, to the late Jolle and Jantje de Vries (née Pikstra). The eldest of 11 children, Robert took his big brother role very seriously, stepping in to offer guidance whenever he deemed necessary. While we did not always appreciate his direct suggestions on post secondary education, proper etiquette and suitable attire, we reflect and understand his advice came from a place of love and without it many of us would not be living the lives we are today. Robert was extremely sociable, an extraordinary host and loved to travel so the past couple of years were especially difficult for him. The restraints of Covid-19 prevented him from doing what he loved most, but in the month preceding his death he enjoyed a trip to the West Coast. While his final journey was not what he had planned, we are happy he is now at peace and at rest. Robert graduated from Mohawk College with a Degree in Architectural Technology and was hired soon after by The City of Waterloo as a Building Inspector. He subsequently joined the hospitality industry which he thoroughly enjoyed, travelling the world extensively while working with Commonwealth Hospitality, Ramada Canada and AFM Hospitality. A graveside committal service will take place on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. in the Burford Pioneer Cemetery, 171 King St. Burford, Brant County, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Arlington Hotel Event Centre, 97 Grand River St. Paris, Ontario between 2:30pm and 4:30 p.m. Proof of vaccination required for Event Centre, masks mandatory unless seated. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to www.doctorswithoutborders.ca.