Van Hezewyk: Aloysius M.,
Peacefully passed away at his home with his loving family by his side, on November 24, 2023. Al Van Hezewyk in his 86th year, beloved husband of Maria “Mary” Van Hezewyk (nee: Ganzevles) in their 60th year of marriage. Loving father of Theodore “Ted” (Angela), Rosemary (Brent Foat), the late baby Bernadet-Marie, Aloysius “Louie” (Nancy), Bernadette, Stephen (Janice), and MaryJo (Patrick Menchenton). Dearly loved grandfather of Liam (Cassidy), Benjamin, Claire (Nic Cooke), Matthew, Sophia (Joe Petrella), Gail, Elise, Ethan, Thomas, Charlie, Livia, Rebecca, Luke, Emily, Joseph, Megan, and David. Will be sadly missed by his siblings Corry (the late Martin Meulensteen), Leo (Rolande), Anne (the late Ton Winkel), Mia (the late Erik Hansen), and predeceased by Albert (the late Greet), Gerrit (Betty), Emmanuel (the late Ank), John (Toni), Frank (Cathy), Paula (the late John DeGraauw), and Gabriel (Patricia). Forever remembered in the hearts of Mary’s siblings, his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
The family would also like to extend their incredible gratitude to the palliative care team of Barb, Michelle, Somayeh and Drina who took care of Dad in his final days as if he was their own.
The family will receive all at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477, on Sunday November 26, 2023 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. James Church Colgan on Monday November 27, 2023 at 12pm. Interment will be held in St. James Cemetery Colgan. Reception to follow in Cliffside Hall at the Funeral Home. For those who wish to make donations please do so to St. James Parish, or Campaign Life would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
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Service
Visitation
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Sunday November 26, 2023
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sunday November 26, 20236:00pm - 8:00pm
Mass of Christian Burial
St. James Church
2118 Adjala Tecumseth Townline, Tottenham, ON L0G 1W0
Monday November 27, 202312:00pm
Robert and Barbara De Angelis says
Dear Mary and Family:
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences on the passing of your husband, Al, and a wonderful father and grandfather. We miss him at St. James’ masses….
Tom Driedger says
Al and I were colleagues at the airport for many years. Although we were in different sections it was a relatively small group so everyone or knew of everyone else. He was a purveyor of honey and yesterday, when spreading honey on a muffin, he popped into my mind. I found this notice online and posted it on the GTAA Alumni Facebook page.
The response was immediate: “A very kind man”, “great conversations with a thoughtful and kind gentleman”, I had the privilege of working with a wonderful man”, “everybody liked Al”, I bought honey from him many times”, a real gentleman and an amazing prankster”! There are other comments but they all tell the same story – Al was a gem of a person. He will be missed by many.
Sincere condolences from all of us to the family.
Arleen Hinds says
As part of Al’s “Airport Family” please accept my condolences on his passing. It was a pleasure working with Al, he was a good man, helpful, pleasant, a good soul. May he now rest in peace.
Mary and Bob Bentley says
Hello Mary and family, Corrie told me this morning that Al passed away and I wanted to send you our heartfelt condolences. He was a good man and we always enjoyed talking with him, the last time being at Cor’s 95 th birthday.
Take care Mary.
Nancy Eagan says
Mary and Family
Please accept or heartfelt condolences on AL’s passing.
Jim and Nancy Eagan
Kelly Lawless says
Sorry to hear about your loss. A hard working Father.
Maureen McKenna and Phillip Gutwein says
Sincere condolences to all the Van Hezewyk family. Al was a shining light in St. James parish.
David and Maureen Archibald and family says
Our prayers and thoughts are with the whole family.
Hold him close in memory.
Margaret Bricknell says
Mary & family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time
Jacquie McBride and Richard Surbek says
Our deepest condolences to the entire Van Hezewyk family. We are holding you all in our hearts and in our prayers.
Carla Brown says
Words cannot even express the sorrow I feel for your loss. I am so grateful to have known Al and yourselves for so many years. He was a pleasure to talk with and such a wonderful example of a husband, father, grandfather and friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers always and I thank God that we have this hope of reuniting in God’s grace.
Christine Pilson says
To all of the VanHezewyk families,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Diane says
Our sincere condolences to the whole VanHezewyk family –
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all during this time.
God Bless,
BROZINA RAMOS Family
Joan Ronan says
My thoughts and prayers go to the whole family at this time. He will be truely missed but his loving and caring smile will. never be forgotten by anyone.
Gloria F says
Dear Emily and Family,
We are so sorry for your Loss. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Our hearts goes out to you at this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy
Gloria & Family
Tim & Lee Doyle & family says
Our entire family is sending prayers for the whole Van Hezewyk family. Al was a great mentor for his family. May you cherish the wonderful moments you have shared as a family.
Margie Meakin (Koper) says
Deepest sympathies to Mary, and all the children and grandchildren. Our family has many fond memories of Al and all the Van Hezewyks when both families lived in Wildfield. Al was always there to help out whenever needed, and unfailingly had a friendly face and time for a chat when the task was completed. He was a good family friend and a wonderful Wildfield neighbour!
Kimm and Kevin McCool says
Sending you and your family our deepest sympathies at this very sad time for your family. Al will be missed by his parish community but will be always remembered for all he did in giving of his time and service to others. May you all find strength and courage through God’s grace.
Greg McKenna says
I was lucky to get to know Al over the years primarily through and at Parish activities and celebrations. Al always greeted you with sincere interest in what was going on in your life. He was a man who was very interested in LIFE. He had so many talents and interests which made a discussion with him always an interesting venture. I will miss the chats that we shared as I am sure, so too, will his family and friends. Al was a good man!
MaryLou and Paul Maher says
Dear Mary and Family,
We were very saddened to hear of Al’s passing. Remembering what a kind and quiet gentleman he was, and keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
MaryLou, Paul and Jessica Maher
Kirk Foat says
Rosemary, Brent and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Al’s recent passing.
Sending our condolences and hugs to all.
Kirk, Anna, Jack & Dylan Foat
Neville & Louise Rodricks says
Our sincere condolences to the whole VanHezewyk family especially to his wife Mary and to Steve. May the dear Lord take your Dad home to paradise and pour graces out on all of you.
Love & God bless
Neville & Louise Rodricks (nee Carney)
Marmora
Betsy Crowley says
Mary and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with at this difficult time.
Betsy Crowley
Bill & Sandy Clark says
Mary and The Van Hezewyk Family.
Sending our sincerest condolences for the passing of Al. He was a very nice gentleman and will be missed in our community. Bill & Sandy Clark
Scott and Vesna Lambert says
Steve and family, please accept our sincere at condolences on the passing of you father.
Bri Perruzza and family says
Our dearest condolences. He, and your family, will be in our thoughts and prayers. Sending love.
Joan Kwiatkowski says
To All The Van Hezewyk Family, please accept my sincerest condolence in the loss of Al. He will be missed by all. May God give you the strenght to carry on, knowing he is now in the Arms of Our Heavenly Father. God bless you all.
Michael & Cheryl Ronan says
We are truly saddened to learn of the passing of Al. His loss will be felt not only to the immediate Van Hezewyk family, but well beyond. He was a wonderful and caring person who touched the lives of many in our larger parish community at St James. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Mike & Cheryl Ronan
Hal & Madelyn Rutledge says
Dear Mary and all Van Hezewek family
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Al will be missed by many. Al and Mary have been a tremendous example to all of us. Their love & devotion to each other, to their family & to the community has always been evident. May all of your beautiful family memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Lisa Sheehan says
Our condolences to the families! Sheehan & Haley Families.
Bernie Eagan says
Al was a shining example of Christian witness in a quiet unassuming way . Our Church community has been the beneficiary of his countless talents and unselfish ways . I know he will be terribly missed but he will surely be looking over all of you with love . My sincerest sympathies to you Mary and all your family . Bernie E.
Mary-Lou and Ed Osborne says
Our heartfelt condolences to Mary and the Van Hezewijk family. A big loss, for sure. May Al be at peace, and may you all find peace as you remember him.
Mary-Lou and Ed Osborne
Brian and Patti Snell says
We are very sorry to learn of Al’s passing. We extend our sincere condolences to all the family. Cherish the memories.
Sincerely, Brian and Patti Snell, and family.
Figueiredo Family says
Please accept our sincere condolences. The world has lost a legend, Al left behind a legacy of faith & love.
He will be forever missed, but never forgotten.
Marilyn Kamstra and Family says
Dear Mary and Family, the memories are flowing, but they are all so lovely! The best of friends forever it seems and then neighbours as well! The kindness, the laughs, the wonderful company! Al and Mary and the VanHezewyk family were always there for us when we needed help, our visits back and forth through the backwoods on the trusted ‘gators’! Always eventful! The laughter from both John and Al as they would so enjoy their time together, perhaps over a ‘wee Scotch!! The recipient of our beloved John Deere Gator, duct tape and all! Such a bonus to have had this friendship and now such a loss for his wonderful family and so many others! Rest in Peace, dear Al. You will be so missed! Love from Marilyn and Family
Phil and Peggy Carney says
Sincere condolences to all of you from the Kingston Carneys.
Barb and David Bricknell and Family says
We’re sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences
Toronto ACC CATCA Branch says
Steve, Liam, Gail, your brothers and sisters in CATCA are very sorry for your loss. We hope you find comfort in your wonderful family during this time.
Ivor & Ginny Cathcart says
Dear Mary and family, please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of Al. Holding you all in our hearts and our prayers.
Robert and RiaHeijdeman says
Dear family of Al and Mary,
Al was always a cincere husband and grandfather. Mary and Al sure do have a great family and we know that that they will support Mar in this time of grief.
Bless you all, our prayers are with you.
Love Rob and Ria
Myrtle menchenton says
Mary Jo our condolences to you and all your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time, Myrt and Cyril Menchenton.
Don Rait says
Dear Mary and Family,
Our hearts go out to you as do our prayers. Al’s smiling face and caring nature will continue on in his beautiful children and grandchildren.
God bless you all
Don and the Rait Family
Evelyn Wadden says
Mary-Jo and family so sorry for your loss my condolences to you all
Julie Kearney says
So very sorry for the loss of your father, your families are in my thoughts and prayers
Reg Menchenton says
To Maryjo and the Van Hezewyk Family sorry to hear of your Dads passing our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Mary and Reg Menchenton
Lynda Thain says
To All The Van Hezewyk Family, My sincere condolences to all the Family. I did not know
Aloysius well, but always saw him at Mass with his wife, daughter and Grand children, He was a shiny example of God;s gift of Love and Faith , May he Rest In Peace, Thinking
of all of you at this time. Sincerely, Mrs, Lynda Thain.
Deacon Mike & Lorei-an Lewis says
Dear Mary & Family,
Lorei-an and I offer you our deepest sympathies for the loss of A
Al has been a pillar at St James and his presence will be missed.
Al’s witness to his faithfulness to God and his family is what we will fondly remember him for.
May God bless you and your beautiful family during this time of loss.
Steve Ryan says
My heartfelt condolences to Al’s family. As a young teenager, I worked as a labourer with Al when he built his family home in Wildfield. I believe he may have been the first adult I called by his first name. I still remember carrying cement blocks into the excavation for the block layers. And, blackening at least one fingernail because I wasn’t careful. I remember him teaching me the basics of home construction – some methods I still use. I can also still picture him and I doing things such as preparing the bed for the weeping tile system. I have not seen Al for many years, but I have thought of him often. I am glad that I knew him.
Krista Lloyd says
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Krista Lloyd
Mike and Anne Sledz says
Our heartfelt condolences to Mary, and to all the Van Hezewyk family. I could always see that Al was so loved by you all. We will miss him in our Parish community. Rest in peace Al!
Shauna Henry says
Our hearts go out to Al’s entire family at this difficult time. May Al rest in eternal peace now, free of pain and difficulties. And may all of us be there for his family in the coming days, weeks and months.
With love and hugs,
John & Shauna Henry
Deacon Robert and Gabrielle Suthers says
May Al rest peacefully in the arms of his Saviour. Heaven rejoices at his entrance…our prayers are with Mary and all the family at this time of grief. Our love is with you.
Bev & Wayne Robinson says
So sorry for your loss.
Hugs to you and your family.
Gary Does says
Kathy and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Van Hezewyk family. Al was a kind man and an amazing carpenter. I know he will be missed. May your fond memories comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Gary and Kathy Does