Vikki, John & Cindy, Mrs Van Oosten
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband and father, grandfather and many more precious titles he wore so proudly. Thinking of you all in such tender times.
VAN OOSTEN, John
1942 - 2024
2 June 2024 – John Van Oosten, born in Emmen, Drenthe, The Netherlands on 30 July 1942 and a long-time resident of Sesekinika, ON, died at home at the age of 81 with Ursula, his wife of 60 years and his daughter Vikki by his side.
John arrived in Canada at Pier 21 in Halifax as a child with his parents, brothers and sisters aboard the SS Waterman. He grew up in Calgary, AB. After high school, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as military police and was posted to North Bay, ON where he met Ursula. After leaving the RCAF, he stayed in the north and joined the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
John was proud to have served 30 years as an OPP officer in Elk Lake, North Bay and Kirkland Lake. A few short weeks ago he passed the milestone of having been retired for as long as he had been on the job. A milestone he was quite pleased to talk about.
John loved the outdoors and numerous pastimes. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and waterskier. He loved boating, 4-wheeling, curling, reading and playing cards.
Son of Anna and Gerrit. Brother to Margaret and Arie. Loving father of John (Sue), Vikki (Peter) and Cindy (Mark). Grandfather to Mitchell, Catherine, Ian, Samuel, Madelaine, Isabelle, William, Bailey and Brayden. Much loved and respected by his many nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Pre-deceased by his parents, son Andrew (Jana), infant twin sons John Michael and Paul Gerald, brothers Albert and Gerry (Marina), sister Anne, sister-in-law Ena, brother-in-law Koert and nephew Jeff.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, 6th of June from 7-9pm at Timiskaming Funeral Cooperative in Kirkland Lake. Funeral service will follow on Friday, 7th of June at 10:30am at Holy Name Parish in Kirkland Lake. A Facebook live event of the funeral will be available by liking the Timiskaming Funeral Cooperative.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.
Write your sympathies or tribute
42 messages received
Ursula and family
with deepest regret we send this..John was a man of great pride, he had a humour like no other.His love of family was evident .I shall never forget the summers we spent in Ses and his frienship..I have never laughed with anyone like i did John.. God bless him and his family xx Milne and Barb xx
Aunt Ursula, John, Vikki, Cindy and family
My dearest Auntie, John, Vikki, Cindy and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Uncle John. He sure fought hard these past months. This is such a heartbreaking time, and I want you all to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Uncle John left us with so many wonderful memories that will be cherished forever. One of my favorite memories is his playful saying, "You ain't much, if you ain't Dutch." That along with his teasing sense of humor, always brought a smile to my face and will continue to do so whenever I think of him.
Please take comfort in the happy times and the laughter he brought into our lives. His spirit and joy will live on in our hearts. I wish I could be there in person to hug you all, but I will be attending via the live feed.
Love Sharon and Bob Veldt
Sharon jacqueline Veldt, June 4, 2024
Vikki and Auntie Ursula
I am so sad to hear of Uncle John's passing. Will miss him greatly. Praying for everyone
Love you all.
Margaret-Ann, June 4, 2024
The Van Oosten Family
Sending my love and condolences to everyone. Love you all.
Margaret-Ann, June 4, 2024
Ursala and family
Please accept my deepest condolences. John will be missed.
Van Oosten Family
Deepest sympathies for your loss. The Killins family has many wonderful memories of Big John farming, fishing and socializing in Sesekinika
VanOosten family
Our sincere condolences, may your memories bring you comfort!
Ursula and Family
So sorry to hear. My sincere sympathy to the whole family. My prayers are with you at this sad time
Vikki & family
Vikki, I am so sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you.
Charlene & Rick Owen , June 4, 2024
Ursula and family
My deepest condolences on your loss. Worked with John for many years. May you find comfort in knowing your loved one is in a better place.
Ursula and family
We are saddened to hear of of Johns passing. John was a key figure in Sesekinika, volunteering on the service board for many years, and supporting the community in various other ways. We very much enjoyed conversations with John, as he had a very vibrant and fun personality. please accept our heartfelt condolences, we will miss John.
Ursula and family
My deepest condolences with the passing of John. I have a lot of great memories with John both on and off the job. I made my first arrest as a new rookie with John as my partner. His quick wit always contributed to the enjoyment of working at the Kirkland Lake Detachment.
Big Dave Brown.
Dave Brown, June 4, 2024
The Van Oosten Families
So sorry for your loss. Our condolences to all the families & friends!
Ursula and family
Deepest condolances
The Van Oosten Family
Sorry for your loss. My mother and John shared a few laughs prior to her death.
May the good memories bring you all comfort at this time and in the days to come.
God Bless You and Keep You
Trevis Carey , June 4, 2024
Ursula, John & Sue, Vikki & Peter, Cindy & Mark, Jana and all the Van Oosten families
Our sincere condolences to your entire family. Your husband, father and grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend left footprints on the hearts of many and will be dearly missed by all who loved him. We are sure that each of you gives thanks for what John has meant in your life. May all the great memories you have of him comfort each one of you and give you peace in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Bea, Sarah, Claire & Dan, Andrew Johnson, June 4, 2024
Mrs Van Oosten and fwmily
Our sincere sympathies to you and your family John was one of a kind will never forget his laugh his smile we were always greeted with a handshake and smile. He will surely be missed r.i.p our Sesekinika friend
The family of John Van Oosten
I express my deepest sympathy. The Bible gives a comforting hope and promises that your loved one will come to life again on a beautiful earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29 and Revelation 21:4.
Ursula Van Oosten and family
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was my Coach Officer when I joined the OPP in 1985 in Kirkland Lake and he instilled his ethics that I carried and tried to emulate for my 30 years. He was a terrific teacher and an truly down to earth man to whom I owe a debt of gratitude.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Respectfully
Marty Beveridge
The family of John
Sincere condolences to the family.
Cindy
My sympathies Cindy and family. May you, your siblings and Mom be able to share the many joyous times, fond memories in the coming weeks and months while you prepare his passing from his earthly place. May God bless you and see you through this time.
Theresa, June 4, 2024
Ursula &family
May God give you the strength and the courage to overcome these difficult times.
Ursula & family
Sending our deepest condolences to all Johns family ---we have so many fond memories of our time in Elk Lake ,when John & Ursula took all of us newbie OPP's under their wing & into their family --we learned so much from them & they gave us unconditional love as one of their own ,--thinking of U all with fondness & love ---Sincerely Bob & Betty Decaire
Betty Decaire, June 4, 2024
Ursula and family
Uncle John was a "larger than life" character. He did not suffer fools. He was kind and funny and ferocious as well. Many of my favorite childhood memories from Elk Lake had him front and centre. I remember having to strip and polish the bottom of his boat for the races. He won of course and graciously allowed me the use of the boat whenever I wanted. Throughout the summer and other times when I saw him he would offer up his words of wisdom on life and relationships. None of which I could have ever shared with my parents. Two things have always been significant for me: never give up and most importantly: if you aren't Dutch then you aren't much. I will miss you Uncle.
Gerry Van Oosten , June 5, 2024
Vikki
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of John.
I remember very well the waterskiing shenanigans that John and my dad (Delmer Chester) got up to, in particular the trick skiing. One such display involved a chair perched on a ‘circle board’ with one of them on the chair and the other on his shoulders. I would hope that there’s photo evidence!?
Cherish the memories
Heather Guthrie (nee Chester)
Ursala and family
So sorry to hear of John's passing. So many great memories and laughs with him on and off the job. I remember my first visit and tour of Sesekinika with John as the tour guide followed up with dinner with the 'Waltons'. John will be missed.
Gord van der Grinten, June 5, 2024
Van Oosten Family
Deepest sympathy to the Van Oosten Family for your loss. Always enjoyed John's visits and stories at Vito's camp.
Ursula and Family
Heartfelt Condolences on your Loss. May memories bring you peace and comfort at this sad time.
Sincerely
Evelyn Daub
Ursula and Family
Saddened to hear of John's passing.
To me John was a very intelligent, caring man with an awesome sense of humor with love for his family and Church.
When ever I saw that grin on John's face, I always wondered if I should head for the hills or hang around to see what was going to hit the fan. lol No matter the choice, people always felt connected to this special man. He was one in a million.
From the Barker Clan, our sincerest condolences to you Ursula and all your family.
I say this with the most respect and love, RIP Big Bad John! You will alwys be missed.
Rick!
Ursula and Family
Paul and I are sorry to hear of John’s passing …we send our heartfelt Condolences.
Van Oosten family
Sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you all.
Ursula and Family
So sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to the whole family. My prayers in your time of grief.
John,Sue and family
I want to extend my deepest heartfelt sympathy to John & Sue and the entire family. John, I never met your father, but from things you have said about him and reading through all of the messages he seemed like such an amazing man. Reading the messages, I feel very much like they are describing you... so just know, your father is never very far away, as your traits are profoundly similar. My deepest condolences to everyone, my thoughts are with all of you
Dianna Cunning, June 6, 2024
Vikki, Peter, Sam, Ursula, John, Cynthia and families
Sincere condolences on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather. Hugs to everyone
My dear Auntie and Family
Just know my love prayers are with you all at this Uncle John was a special man and,i will never forget his humor and how he could always make you smile. I will miss him.
The Van Oosten Family
So sorry to hear of John's passing. His great sense of humor made it easy to enjoy his company. I had the pleasure of knowing John while I was at the M.T.O. Please accept our condolences .
Ursula and Family
Judy and I were saddened to hear of John’s passing and offer our deepest sympathies to you and your family. I’ll always remember tooting the horn on my train as I passed through Sesekinika with John always giving a wave back at me with a huge smile from his front lawn or outside his ice shack. Cherish your memories.
The Van Oosten Family
May the memories of treasured times spent together bring you comfort with the loss of John. He will be greatly missed.
We are so saddened with his loss. In sympathy, the Quails
Van Oosten Family
Sincere condolences, John will be missed on the lake and on the trails
Matt Watorek and family, June 7, 2024
Vicki and family
My deepest condolences on your loss! So sorry for your loss
Ursula and family
So sorry to hear of the passing of our friend John. A gentleman and a caring part of our community "at the camp" on Wewegimok. He will be missed. We pray that his family finds consolation and happiness. And that John's grandkids will thrive because of his love for them.
Pascal and Shirley LaRouche and family
