CORNELIS DE HAAN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CORNELIS (NEIL) DE HAAN Peacefully on July 30, 2015, at the age of 92 years old, Cornelis (Neil) de Haan left this earth and began his eternal life with his Heavenly Father. Neil is survived by his loving wife Grietje (Guinea), their 11 children, 27 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Johanna and Garry (Andrea and Dave (Kaia), John, David); Irene and Dave (Kendra and Vince (Jackson, Carter, Sawyer), Steve and Jessica); John and Mildred (Erin, Kevin); Jakob and Karen (Kelsey, Max, Katie); Peter and Thelma (Michael, Joshua, Jessica); Jeannie and Dean (Victoria and Joey, Hanna); Carol and Walter (Becka, Cara, Daniel); Chris and Susan (Anna); Cheryl and Ted (Serena, Stephanie and Jay, Rachel); Vickey and Tom (Carlie, Heather); Sheilina and Chris (Matthew, Nicole, Emily). He is also survived by his sisters Petra (Henk) and Maria, his brothers Arie (Jikke), William, and Johan (Marijka), and sister-in-law Jo. He was predeceased by his sister Coba. Neil was born September 18, 1922 to Willem and Johanna de Haan near the city of Utrecht, the Netherlands. He received his Bachelors of Divinity from the University of Groningen. Dad and Mom were married October 29, 1952 and moved to Hallum where Neil was the pastor of a Reformed Church. In 1958, they and their three oldest children immigrated to Canada where Neil had been offered a position as a pastor at a Canadian Reformed Church in Winnipeg. In 1972, Neil started his ministry within the correctional system, working as a chaplain at Stony Mountain Penitentiary. Here he found his true vocation. He approached all people with acceptance and compassion and developed many close friendships. He retired at the age of 65 but continued volunteering with Community Restorative Justice and Indian Life Ministries. Dad loved family gatherings with his children and extended family. He and Mom travelled frequently across Canada visiting family and friends. He enjoyed camping, travelling, gardening, and listening to music. Many hours were also spent playing cards and Scrabble with his family. Funeral will be held 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 4 at Wheeler Funeral Home, 1800 Day Street. All those who were touched by Neil's life are welcome to attend. The family would like to thank Donwood Personal Care Home for their care. In lieu of flowers, donations to Siloam Mission gratefully accepted. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them! "Revelation 14:13 Funeral Arrangements in Care of Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street 204-224-1525 You may sign the Book of Memories at www.wheelerfuneral.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 04, 2015