Harry Van de Wiel

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Harry on Sunday, November 28, 2021, at his home at the age of 94. He was the beloved husband of Maria (nee Van Kuik) for 62 years and Father of Elisabeth (Rob), Jack (Carrie), Paul (Linda), and Jody and the proud opa of Robert (Laura), James, Jamie, Cory, Heather, Kenny and great-opa to Emma and Letty.
Harry was born in Cuijk, Netherlands, on May 2, 1927, the third of nine children to Jacobus Van de Wiel and Anna Cuipers.
Predeceased by siblings and their spouses, Jan (Fien), Door (Antoon), Hanneke, Piet (Annie), Gerit (Nellie), Riet and sister-in-laws Toos and Martina. He is survived by brothers Wim and Cor.
Harry will be missed by his extended Van Kuik in-law family, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Harry, an enterprising young man served his obligatory military service in Indonesia, then in 1951, left his family and their farm behind in the Netherlands and struck out for Canada to make his place in the world. After having tried his hand at various jobs, decided that being an owner/operator of a haulage firm was the vocation for him. He successfully operated and expanded Van de Wiel Haulage, a business which carries on to this day. In 1957, he met Maria (Riet), they married in 1959 and together they started their family. He took great pride and pleasure in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Harry had a zest for life and had many varied interests. Socializing with friends and family, playing tennis, golfing, biking, skiing, playing bridge and the Dutch card game Rikken. He thoroughly enjoyed taking in a good soccer or tennis match on tv and spending an afternoon watching live horse racing. Harry and Riet have reveled in travelling over the years as well as spending winter months at their condo in Florida for 26 years. They retired to their home in Whitby along the lake, where they have enjoyed living for the past 16 years.
Harry will be remembered fondly for his sense of humour, boisterous laughter, quick wit and smile. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed.
A sincere heartfelt thank you to Dr. Eapen and his staff for their dedicated service of looking after Harry for the past 20 years. Also, thank you for the care and support from the wonderful team of nurses at Partners In Care, this past year.
Cremation has taken place and a 'Celebration of Life' reception will take place at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home 5295 Thickson Rd. N. Whitby on Sunday, January 9, from 1:00 - 2:30 and from 2:30 - 4:00. All guests must register to attend using the RSVP service on the Barnes website. Proof of vaccination is required. Anyone who requires assistance to register may call the Reservation Desk at 905-655-3662 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.
For those who may wish to make a donation in Harry's memory, the family requests them to consider Doctors Without Borders.
Messages of condolence and shared memories can be left for the family by visiting barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com