Obituary of Theodore Adrianus Vanos

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Theodore Adrianus Vanos announces his passing on January 13, 2024 at St Joseph’s Hospice, Sarnia at the age of 87. Beloved husband of Mary (Rops) Vanos for 64 cherished years. Proud father of Rick (Darlene), Ken (Sandi), Ron (Janet), Don (Anne) and Dave (Karen). Cherished Grandpa of Chantelle, Natasha and Alex; Katie (Brad), Jenni (David) and Danielle (Bill); Emily and Jessica; Stephanie (Stephen), Laura, Greg (Teri) and Johnny; Eric, Natalie, Alison and Scott. Loving Great Grandpa to Ava and Olivia; Evan; Alexis.

Brother of Harry Vanos and Nancy Boere. Brother-in-law of Anne Vanos, Ollie Manning, Mary Beernink, Ria Rops, Joe and Nellie Boere, Jo-Ann Boere. Predeceased by parents Jos and Hendrika (Vanden Boom) Vanos; parents-in-law Martin and Catherine Rops (Verboven); grandson Ray Vanos; siblings and in- laws Bill and Johanna, Pete and Nellie, Tony and Bep, John, Diny and Harry Beernink, Anny and John Vandeschoot, Wilma Vanos, Marty Vanos and Irma Manning, Jim Boere; Pauline and Richard Looman, Ben Rops, Harry and Nettie Rops, Bill Boere.

He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends, in Canada and the Netherlands.

Ted was born in Langenboom, the Netherlands on Nov. 30, 1936 and at the age of 11, immigrated with his family to Picture Butte, Alberta in 1948. After three years, the family then moved to Forest, Ontario where he met Mary at a dance at Crathie Hall. They were married on April 11, 1959 and together they raised five active boys. Ted was a hard worker, and after many years laboring at local farms and working as a pipefitter/welder in Sarnia, he and Mary purchased their farm in 1964. Ted continued to work in Sarnia until 1968 while farming full time. He and Mary lived on the farm for 30 years before moving to their retirement home in Forest in 1994. Ted continued to be involved in farming for many years and passed along many valuable farming lessons to whomever wished to listen. Ted was a successful Dekalb seed corn dealer and was active with the National Farmers Union and the Ontario Pork and Ontario Soybean boards. 

Ted strongly believed in volunteering and was very active in his community, giving many years of service to St Christopher’s Parish, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Forest Minor Hockey, Forest Optimist Club and many other groups.

An avid sportsman, Ted played fastball, 2-pitch, golf, pool, shuffleboard, cards, and horseshoes. In fact, Ted would play any game, at any time, with anyone.Ted and Mary spent thirty wonderful winters at Sanlan Ranch in Florida. More than anything, Ted loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was their hero.   

The family wishes to share our profound thanks for the excellent care Ted received from all the staff at  LSHC- University Hospital, Bluewater Health, Sarnia and St Joseph’s Hospice, Sarnia. 

Visitations will take place at DENNINGS OF FOREST.  

A private family visitation for the extended Vanos and Rops families will take place on Wednesday, January 17 from 6:00-8:00 pm. 

Public visitation will take place on Thursday, January 18 from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm.

Funeral mass will take place at St Christopher’s Parish, Forest on Friday, January 19 at 11:00 am with a private interment to follow for Ted’s children and grandchildren. Reception to follow at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 176 in Forest.  As an expression of sympathy, donations to St Joseph’s Hospice of Sarnia or Bluewater Health Foundation, Sarnia would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and donations may be made at www.forestfuneralhome.com