JOHAN FRANS DEEG

1923 - 2022

DEEG, JOHAN (HANS) FRANS The Deeg family announces with great sadness that the rock of our family, Hans Deeg, 98 years young, passed away peacefully, on April 1, 2022, at Faith Manor of the Holland Christian Homes in Brampton, Ontario. Hans was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elly, on October 13, 2021; by his mother Jacoba in 1946; his father Johann in 1946; and his sister Betty (Cordes) in 2004. Left to mourn his passing are: his sons, Frank (Kathy) in Ottawa, Bart (Margaret) in Edmonton; his half-sister Dorly (Jan Kardaun) in Rotterdam, Netherlands; his beloved granddaughter Christina (Lee Dombrowsky) and his two great-granddaughters (Elly and Daisy) in Edmonton; his beloved grandson Philip in Augsburg, Germany; and his nieces, Bea in Holland and Corinne in Australia. Hans was born on June 24, 1923 in Deventer, Netherlands and proceeded to lead a most eventful life, through the Depression and WWII when he participated in the Dutch underground during the Nazi occupation, then returning to Delft University to resume his engineering education. It was there that he met Elly, and they formed a strong and loving partnership that lasted 73 years till Elly's death in 2021. Hans and Elly and their two sons immigrated to Canada in 1952, when Hans began his career as a chemical engineer – first with Canadian Oil in Sarnia, then a brief interlude in Los Angeles with Fluor Corp., and back again to Sarnia with Canadian Oil. Following Shell Canada's acquisition of Canadian Oil in 1963, Hans was transferred to Shell's head office and the family moved to Toronto. Hans retired in 1985 but carried on briefly with a posting in 1988 to China with CESO (Canadian Executive Services Overseas). In retirement, Hans and Elly were avid travellers, taking many marvellous trips abroad often with friends, but were especially devoted to planning and participating in numerous Deeg family reunions, in Canada, in Cuba and on board numerous Holland America cruise ships. In addition to their love of family, Hans and Elly enjoyed cultivating and nurturing throughout their married life scores of enduring and cherished friendships. And we must mention that Hans was a lifelong fan of jazz, particularly of Duke Ellington, and was a longtime member of Toronto's Duke Ellington Society. We are grateful for the exceptional and compassionate care Dad received from the nursing and PSW staff in Faith Manor. At Hans' request, there will be a private family memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Holland Christian Homes or a charity of your choice will be much appreciated. Condolences and tributes may be offered at wardfuneralhomes.com.