Joseph ‘Joe’ Vlasman

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Joe Vlasman, age 79, of Ilderton.  Joe passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at University Hospital on Saturday, September 15, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Uithoorn, North Holland on March 3, 1939, son of the late Anthony and Johana Vlasman, Joe immigrated to Canada with his family in 1949. Beloved husband of Alieda (Boersen) Vlasman for almost 50 years. Loving father of Sean (April), Kara (Mitch) and Dean (Amanda), and adored Opa to Max, Matthew and Aleya. Loving brother to Cornelius (Josie), Harry, Theresa, Leda and Mary. Also survived by sisters- and brothers-in-laws: Ann and Hilda Vlasman; Annie Bokkers (Peter); Joan Oud; Ted, Gerry (Renelda), Henk (Emma), Judy, Ann, Liz and Viola Boersen; and his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ysbrand and Adrianna Boersen; brothers Martin (Henny), Tony, John and Theo (Tiny) (The Netherlands); brothers-in-law Henk Tyssen, Joe Willems, John, Tony, Bert, and Johan Boersen; sisters-in-law Dora Olsthoorn (Adrian) and Betty Gras (Andre), Martina Boersen and Peter Oud. Friend to so many, Joe showed genuine kindness to everyone he met. His greatest joy was in helping others – his children, neighbours, relatives, friends and even strangers. He was a humble man who was uncomfortable with fanfare. He loved puttering around the house and farm and helping his kids with their projects. He looked forward to card games with family and friends. His 42 years with Kellogg’s was a great source of pride – his greatest was his family. Joe was fun-loving with a witty sense of humour, always positive, with never a bad thing to say about anyone. Sincere thanks to his caring family and neighbours from Vintage Green for accompanying him with love, prayer, and visits throughout the months of his illness. A heart-felt thanks and appreciation for the nurses from the VON, paramedics, nurses and doctors at University Hospital and the amazing doctors and staff at the Ilderton Medical Clinic for going above and beyond in supporting Joe and his family. Joe did not wish to have a visitation but rather a celebration of life. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at HOLY FAMILY PARISH, 777 Valetta Street, London. Family will be present to welcome guests half an hour before the service. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Joe are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society, Holy Family Parish or a charity of your choice