Obituary of Johannes Van Diepen

VAN DIEPEN, JOHANNES MARIA - He was a family man and he loved to work. Shortly after 5:00pm on Sunday, June 14, 2009, his work was done. Surrounded by his loving family at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario, John Van Diepen, of Warwick, passed away peacefully in his 71st year. Beloved husband of Johanna (de Rijk) for 44 years. Loving father of Ramona Nordemann, Robert Van Diepen (Patricia Casey) and Patricia Howard. Loving grandfather of Andrew and Emily, Melissa (Len), Matthew and Ryan, and Brandy. Cherished brother of Jack and Teresa Van Diepen of London, Ontario, Emmy and Tom Droog of De Winton, Alberta, and Cees and Riet van Diepen, Piet (predeceased) and Annie van Diepen, Gerard and Maria van Diepen, Agnes van Diepen, Martie van Diepen, Tiny and Kees de Wit, Adrie and Bernadette van Diepen, Ans van Diepen, all of Holland. Cherished brother-in-law of Lee and Robert Lewis of Montreal and Elizabeth Blommestijn and Ben Blommestijn of Ottawa. Beloved uncle and grand-uncle to many, many nieces and nephews. John was a horticulturalist and fruit grower known for his expertise, willingness to share his knowledge, sense of humour and ready smile. Born at Bobeldijk 2, Hoorn, the Netherlands, John resided in Warwick, Ontario for most of his adult life. While working at Imperial Oil as a stationary engineer, John founded Warwick Orchards and Nursery in 1967. John loved the outdoors, growing fruit and harvesting a good crop. Throughout his life, he developed and experimented with new methods for growing fruit, bringing the best of what he knew from Europe to Canada, such as dwarf apple trees. He kept ties with Vineland Research Station, rallied for improvements for the industry through the Ontario Apple Commission, and was a resource for many fruit growers. He was proud to support his community and took his turn as President of the Rotary Club and Fire Chief of the volunteer fire department. John was a social butterfly. In recent years, his winters at Sanlan Park in Lakeland, Florida, with all the friends, golfing and grapefruit, were most dear to him. He loved being with his friends at home, playing cards and on the golf course. Visitation will be held at the FOREST CHAPEL of Denning Funeral Directors on Tuesday, June 16th, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Christopher's Catholic Church in Forest on Wednesday, June 17th at 11am with Fr. Gerard Bedard celebrant. Interment to follow at Beechwood Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to Rotary Club Youth Programs or the London Health Sciences Centre. Donations and condolences may be left online at www.denningfuneralhome.com .