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Wilson Lawrence VERHEYEN

1987 - 2022

Wilson Lawrence VERHEYEN obituary, 1987-2022, Toronto, ON

BORN

1987

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Wilson VERHEYEN Obituary

WILSON LAWRENCE VERHEYEN October 19, 1987 - August 30, 2022 It is with profound sadness that Wilson's parents, Marianne and Wil Verheyen in Toronto, and his sister Amanda in New York, announce his passing on August 30, 2022, in Toronto. Our much beloved son and brother has left us after living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy his whole life. Wilson also leaves behind aunts, uncles and cousins, most of them living in the Netherlands. Despite his disability, Wilson was strong; perhaps the strongest person we have known. He never lost the drive to pursue his goals with enthusiasm, courage and perseverance. However, a recent COVID-19 diagnosis left him weak and suffering from intolerable pain, which was too much in the end. Wilson was an alumnus of the IB program at the York School and an alumnus of York University where he studied graphic design and music. Against many odds, and with what limited physical strength he had, he learned to play the guitar with a special interest in flamenco. Music became Wilson's joy and his life line. During his four years at York University, he was a member of the York University Guitar Ensemble and continued to compose and produce his own music upon graduation. As his legacy, he has left us with three beautiful albums of his own guitar music (Solace, 2011, Shorelines, 2017, and Horizons, 2021). His two most recent albums can be heard on Apple Music, Bandcamp, Spotify and YouTube. We are deeply saddened by Wilson's passing and will miss him forever. A visitation will be held at the Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre (375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto) at 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, followed by a service at 6 p.m. The actual burial service will be private. Donations in Wilson's memory may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC), Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) in the U.S., and Duchenne Parent Project Netherlands (DPP NL)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Aug. 31 to Sep. 4, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Wilson VERHEYEN

Not sure what to say?





8 Entries

Emily

August 30, 2024

Thinking about you today, Wilson

Jennifer Andrews

September 11, 2022

Sending your family my deepest sympathies at this very difficult time.

Phileen Tattersall

September 9, 2022

Marianne
I am so very sorry to learn of your son´s death. My thoughts and sympathy to you and your family.
Phileen

Single Memorial Tree

Ann Lenchak

Planted Trees

Khadijah Kanji

September 5, 2022

Dearest Marianne, Wil and Amanda,

I was so very heartbroken to hear of the passing of your beloved son and brother, Wilson. Even though we hadn't connected over the past few years, I remember Wilson very fondly from our days at The York School.

Wilson was one of the kindest and gentlest people, and always with such a warm smile! I admired him for his musical interest and ability (we were in the same music class), and I was impressed and happy to know that he continued to compose and play such beautiful guitar music (I was re-listening to some of the tracks on youtube, and wow, he really was incredible!). It hadn't occurred to me until just now, reading his obituary, that it would have been physically challenging for him to develop that skill - clearly, a reflection of his strength of character, that it looked like it came to him with such ease!

I hope you take comfort in knowing that Wilson was loved and admired by many, and remembered as truly a beautiful person. May his soul rest in eternal peace; I am praying for your strength and patience as you grieve this immense loss.

I have donated to Muscular Dystrophy Canada in Wilson's memory.

With warm wishes & prayers,

Khadijah

David Hamilton

September 1, 2022

Dear Marianne and Wil,
I was so sorry to receive this news. Please accept my condolences. Wilson was one of the bravest York School students that I ever had the pleasure to know. I have such fond memories of him - especially playing the guitar, and his endearing smile.
I will be thinking of you.

Barbara Hopewell

August 31, 2022

I am so very, very sorry.

Sheree Rasmussen

August 31, 2022

Dear Marianne, Wil and Amanda,

I am so deeply sorry to hear of Wilson's passing. Although we haven't been in touch, I've often thought of him, and his great talents, determination, beautiful music and art. Sending you much love and strength. May his presence always be with you and give you strength and comfort.

Sheree Rasmussen

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Memorial Events
for Wilson VERHEYEN

Sep

1

Visitation

5:00 p.m.

Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Visitation Centre, Crematorium and Mausoleum

375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4T 2V8

Sep

1

Service

6:00 p.m.

Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Visitation Centre, Crematorium and Mausoleum

375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4T 2V8

Funeral services provided by:

Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Visitation Centre, Crematorium and Mausoleum

375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4T 2V8