Johannes (John) Cornelis Schalk
March 19, 2015
Peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at St. Joseph’s Hospice (London) after a brief battle with brain cancer, Johannes (John) Cornelis Schalk in 81st year. Beloved husband of 55 years of Antonia (Toni) Maria Verdaasdonk. Father to Ed and his wife Karan, and Peter. Opa to Ben, Blaine and his partner Sarah, and Great Opa to Liam Johannes. Survived by siblings and siblings-in-law Bets (Frans), Nel, Riet, Corrie (Martin), Coba, Jaan, Riet (Will) and Tony (Wilma), all of the Netherlands. Predeceased by his brother Kees, and by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Theo, Kees (Cor), Hein (Rieka), Sjef and Cor. Born in Strybeek January 3, 1935, raised in Galder, he met the love of his life, Toni, in 1953 at a dance. They married May 3rd, 1960 and immigrated to Canada on May 5th. They settled in London, Ontario and together owned and operated Davis Greenhouses on Riverside Drive for 43 years. John was a founding member of the Ontario Flower Growers Co-op. After his retirement, he built his dream home on the farm in Delaware where he enjoyed feeding his birds, entertaining his friends, gardening, playing cards and bowling. His smiling face will be missed by many as he takes this next journey in his life. Relatives and friends will be received by the family at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Sunday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., with prayers at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. GEORGE PARISH, 1164 Commissioners Road West, London on Monday, March 23rd, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery. The family would like to thank the Nurses and Doctors on Neurology Sciences wing on the 7th floor of University Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Hospice (London) for their exceptional care and understanding. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice of London or the Brain Tumour Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
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Toni and Sons, I missed seeing John's obituary in March. Only saw your thank you note in today's Free press. My most sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved husband and father. My having always enjoyed a garden growing up on a farm, your and John's kindness in allowing me to grow a little vegetable garden behind your green house in the late 70's gave me many happy hours for a couple or three years. I will never, never forget such kindness, and I regret that over the many years that have passed since then, that I did not stop by to say hello after moving to another part of London. London has truly lost a kind and gentle soul, who will be missed by those who knew him. Perry Clouston (formerly Barrio-Garay)
Toni and sons, Barb and I would like to pass on our sincerest condolences on John's passing. We will both treasure our memory of John's generous attitude and unceasing smile.
Toni, Ed, Peter and family. I was so sorry to hear about your loss. John was a wonderful man, I remember him always smiling. Please accept my condolences and know that I am thinking of you at this time.
Gone From My Sight I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone." Gone where? Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side. And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me -- not in her. And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone," there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!" And that is dying… Our thoughts are with you all.
Dearest Ed & Karen, Peter and mom, Toni, Our sincerest condolences. We know your loss is great. Cherish the memories you shared with him always. When we were building our home, he gave us excellent advice and would even come over to see our progress. We will not forget that and the many other wonderful stories as told by his loving son, Ed. Please take comfort in knowing you are not alone. God Bless you all. WE are here for you always.
Toni...our sincere condolences to you and your family. Thoughts and prayers from fellow bowlers.
The tide recedes but leaves bright seashells on the sand. The sun goes down but gentle warmth still lingers on the land The music stops yet echoes on a sweet refrain Our dear friend leaves, fond memories remain. My heartfelt sympathy to all .
Toni So sorry for your lost had many great talks with you & John when i delivered your furance oil the greenhoses May God rest his Soul John was a great person . I thank God I was Blessed to have known you Both. Joe Dewan Fina Petro Canada.
Exhalt in a life to be celebrated. Mr. Schalk was a man of great convinction, a work ethic unparalleled, and a heart unmatched. May we all follow in his light on our own journeys to Him.
Ed and Family. I am very sorry for your sudden loss of a grandfather, father , brother and husband. I know that you will cherish all the fond memories of him but that does not lessen the sadness one feels at this time. He will be looking out for you all from above so remember all those good times as he is smiling down on you all...... Thoughts and prayers to you all from the McMurray Family .......
, Our heartfelt condolences.
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Toni and sons our condolences with the passing of your Husband and Brother. Jan is in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Pete and Ann Wester