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November 21, 2020
1938-2020 ~ It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our precious father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Simon deWaal on November 21, 2020 at the age of 82. Simon was predeceased by his son, Simon Jr., and granddaughter, Lindsay (DeeDee).
He is survived by his sister Koosje (Gait), brother Hennie deWaal (Dimph), 5 children, John Stellaard (Jeanne), Greta Massop (Theo), Tammy Thompson (James), Tracy Bekker (Dennis), and Trina Tardif (Tim). Simon leaves behind 12 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, good friends and all those whose lives he touched.
Simon was born in Huissen in the Netherlands in 1938. He was only seven years old when the Germans invaded Holland and Simon's life would be forever changed. Simon came to Canada when he was just 18 years old.
He began working with Farmer Construction until he found his passion, working in the woods for Coulson, M & B, even managing his own falling business for a time. By age 21, he scraped together enough money to buy a piece of property to build himself a home. Simon worked hard, feeling much pride when his house was finally completed. That would become Simon's home for the rest of his life.
Simon would often sing the words in the song, "I Did It My Way" to make a strong point. Simon's way may not have been ours, but he was always a man of his word, never going back on it.
He was loyal and fiercely protective of the people he loved going to any lengths to protect them. He never wavered in his convictions, but lived his entire life being true to those convictions.
Simon brought an energy and charisma with him that filled the room. He summed it up nicely when he once said, "I don't care if you love me or if you hate me, just don't ever ignore me." He saw humour in everything around him.
Simon's happy place was on his boat fishing, beverage in hand, with the tunes cranked, singing at the top of his lungs. He laughed big, loved big, hated big, protected big, argued big, talked big, drank big and worked big. He taught us how to tell our truth and be proud of it, how to accept the consequences of our choices and how to always stand up for what is important.
As formidable a force as he could be, Simon was a comfort and a soft place to fall for those he loved. He left a hole in our hearts that only a lifetime of memories can ease. Yes, if we could say one more thing to Simon now, it would be to let him know how grateful we are that he was in our lives, and how very proud we are of him. Mostly, we can all agree on one thing.....he did it his way.
We would like to thank all of those involved in Simon's care over these last several weeks, especially Dr. Dewitt, and the nurses who were patient and kind during this most difficult time.



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