Cornelius John (John) Verbeek, age 68, of Hamilton, Ontario, peacefully completed his life’s journey on September 22, 2024. John was born on June 8, 1956, in Bowmanville, Ontario, the first-born offspring of Pieternella (Nel) Verbeek (nee Houweling) and Jan (John) Verbeek.
John is survived by his siblings Pieter Richard (Rick) of Toronto, Elisebeth Anne (Betty) of Frankford and Mark David of Bracebridge. He was pre-deceased by his baby brother Paul Matthew. He was uncle to Jordan, Jaimey, Victoria and James and great uncle to Joey and Anna.
John spent his formative years with the family in Huntsville, Ontario. He was an avid outdoor enthusiast and took full advantage of what Muskoka had to offer, including canoe tripping, fishing, camping, sailing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling, all done with family and like-minded friends. He loved birds and cats as pets, which is a somewhat surprising combination, but we are not aware of any unfortunate turn of events between the two. In part, his care for animals was expressed as a regular donor to the Canadian Wildlife Federation. He was unbeatable at Scrabble, and anyone who dared to challenge him was humbled by his prowess with words.
After graduating from Huntsville High School in 1975, he was the first of his family to pursue post-secondary education. He attended York University and graduated with an honours bachelor’s degree (1979) in Mathematics. He subsequently spent his career as a computer programmer for Canada Life in Toronto, where he made significant contributions over several years in the early days of his chosen discipline.
In his later years, John’s medical condition required a supportive living environment where he was a resident at Macassa Lodge in Hamilton for several years. Here he enjoyed regular visits from his near-by niece, Victoria, and her husband, Jeff, where their routine was “eating sushi and chatting about life. The staff at Macassa Lodge were family to John and we are full of gratitude for the care and companionship that he received there.
In keeping with his wishes, John has been cremated. A private family celebration of his life will be held in the spring as we emerge from the long, cold winter we feel from his passing. You can help us celebrate John’s life by making a donation via CanadaHelps to The Volunteer Association of Macassa Lodge, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-volunteer-association-of-macassa-lodge/, or the Canadian Wildlife Federation. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-wildlife-federation/
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Although we all have this appointment, some of us sooner than others it still hurts. Thinking of Rick, Betty & Mark at this time. Hang onto all those great memories you have with John. 🙏❤️
Thinking of you Rick, Betty and Mark as you navigate the loss of John. I remember with fondness growing up on By-Lock Acres. Your parents were such good and kind neighbours in our small, close community. With only 3 families on the street with kids, we spent many hours outside together. I was a paddling partner with John on a number of High School Outers’ Club trips. Happy times.
Wishing him peace.
Wendy (Evans) Hill
So sorry to learn of John’s passing .My thoughts and prayers to Rick ,Betty ,Mark and your families. Heather Thompson
So sorry to hear of John’s passing.
I recall his love of the outdoors and stories of fishing in Temagami.
To you Rick and family my deepest condolences.
Doug Austin