Obituary for Roelof "Ralph" Zuidervliet
Passed away peacefully at Brantford General Hospital on Saturday, May 6, 2023 in his 93rd year. Beloved husband of Mary Zuidervliet for 62 years. Loving father of Sara (Cliff) Kraeker, Jake (Cathy) Zuidervliet, and Rachel Zuidervliet. Cherished Papa of Oliver (Sabrina), Jacob (Amy), Stella (Deshay), Mackenzie, Madison, Natasha and Shona. Survived by two nieces in Holland, Jeannette and Marina. Fondly remembered by many extended family and friends in Holland. Predeceased by his parents and three brothers.
Ralph was born Saturday, July 12, 1930 in Stolwijk, The Netherlands to Jaantje Blonk and John Jacob Zuidervliet. He immigrated to Canada in 1952. He worked as a Class A Mechanic with Koehring Canada for many years, and later was integral in the start up of Tigercat where he worked until 70. He met Mary Wingrove in the Brantford Memorial Concert Band; they got married on January 27, 1961, and together raised three children on their hobby farm in Scotland, ON. He was a resilient, quiet, and hard working man - that is to say, a Dutchman.
A very special thank you to his PSW’s who helped take such good care of him in his final years, Cheryl, Julie, Marcelle, Kim, and the numerous other caregivers from Bayshore and The Alzheimer Society. As well as Jerry Marinuk who has been, and continues to be, a kind and considerate neighbour.
Friends will be received at the Keith Ovington Funeral Home, 134 King St., Burford, on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, between 11 - 12:45 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the chapel at 1:00 p.m. Reception at Burford Legion to follow. Interment to be held at the Fairfield Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to Brantford School of Instrumental Music. Keith Ovington 519-449-1112 www.keithovington.ca
“Tot Ziens”
Ralph was born Saturday, July 12, 1930 in Stolwijk, The Netherlands to Jaantje Blonk and John Jacob Zuidervliet. He immigrated to Canada in 1952. He worked as a Class A Mechanic with Koehring Canada for many years, and later was integral in the start up of Tigercat where he worked until 70. He met Mary Wingrove in the Brantford Memorial Concert Band; they got married on January 27, 1961, and together raised three children on their hobby farm in Scotland, ON. He was a resilient, quiet, and hard working man - that is to say, a Dutchman.
A very special thank you to his PSW’s who helped take such good care of him in his final years, Cheryl, Julie, Marcelle, Kim, and the numerous other caregivers from Bayshore and The Alzheimer Society. As well as Jerry Marinuk who has been, and continues to be, a kind and considerate neighbour.
Friends will be received at the Keith Ovington Funeral Home, 134 King St., Burford, on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, between 11 - 12:45 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the chapel at 1:00 p.m. Reception at Burford Legion to follow. Interment to be held at the Fairfield Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to Brantford School of Instrumental Music. Keith Ovington 519-449-1112 www.keithovington.ca
“Tot Ziens”