Johan Van Loo

Johan Wilhelm "Bill" Van Loo of Florida and originally of the Listowel area, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He was 78 years old. He also leaves behind his two children Aaron Van Loo of Voila, Wisconsin and Tamara Van Loo of Rochester, New York. Also leaving behind his cherished grandchildren David and Ada.Brother of Teuni & Fred Smith of Brussels, Jane & Dave Dunford of Burlington, Martha & John Kratz of Sarnia, and John & Jeanette Van Loo of Bluevale. Brother-in-law to Liz Van Loo of Tara (formerly Listowel) Bill also leaves behind several beloved nieces & nephews. Predeceased by his parents Kornelius "Kase" & Martha (Van den Hoed), his brothers Neil and Everette Van Loo, and a nephew Chris Smith. On April 18, 1946, history was being made when the first black Major League Baseball player in the modern era "Jackie" Robinson broke the colour barrier in North America's professional baseball league through a Canadian team. Robinson became a powerful symbol of hope and an inspiration to millions with his grace, dignity, and determination. However, on that same day there was a far lesser-known event taking place in the small town of Ermelo, in the Netherlands. The second child and the first baby boy of Martha and Kase Van Loo was born on this day and given the name Johan Wilhelm Van Loo (named after his grandfather) and would be known to his family as Bill, and nicknamed “Vimpy” by his mother. Bill would spend a part of his younger years growing up in Holland as Europe was rebuilding itself after World War 2. His father being a bit of an innovator and risk taker decided that moving their now family of four to Canada would help them all accomplish their dreams and visions for owning a large family farm. So, on April 15, 1952, they boarded a ship called The Waterdam and set off. Bill would remember being a boy, standing with his dad at the rail of the ship 6 days later, looking out at Halifax, and his dad saying to him "This is out future". After a couple of years of moving around, at the age of 8, Bill would then grow up into adulthood on the farm his parents purchased near Wroxeter, Ontario. There was a lot of work to be done to build up the farm, and my father and his siblings did plenty of it! Picking up stones, milking cows, crops, haying, you name it. They all participated in the work to be done. As he got older, despite loving faming and his family, something else was in the cards for Bill. He always loved learning, and he headed off to Kemptville College to get his first diploma. After working as in the vet lab, he decided that he wanted his career to progress and attended the University of Guelph. The degrees he earned kept him connected to his farming roots, only in a different way. He always came home in the summers to help again on the farm. One of these summers, he heard of one of his friends attending school at the University of Wisconsin (Madison). He decided to jump in the car and make the long drive and check things out. He absolutely loved the facilities and opportunities to learn and be a part of the research for innovative agricultural practices. Here, he met and fell in love with Linda who was also attending the University. After graduating, they got married on September 18, 1971, and had two beautiful kids - Aaron & Tamara. Bill worked in various jobs over the years. He worked for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Ontario and later for Cornell Co-Operative Extension Services in New York State, USA as a Farm Management Specialist - giving advice and direction to the farming community and individuals on how to improve their farming operations. After working hard for many years, retirement was on the horizon. At this time in his life there was going to be a couple of big life changes as well. Aaron had two kids - David & Ada - who Bill cherished and spoke about often. The other big change in his life would be that Linda and Bill would decide to divorce. Although there may not have been a loss of love for one another, that love had changed over the years into something different for them. Bill would struggle with his divorce a little over the next few years but eventually he accepted what his new and revised future would look like. This new future would bring him to eventually settle in the warmer climate of Northport, Florida. Being a social person, Bill would meet many new people in his new community and made many new friends. He would meet Rae, whom he would develop a special and meaningful friendship with. He also took up a couple of outdoor activities like riding his bike and golfing. Bill would value visits he shared with family who would come to visit him when they could, and he would also make the journey back north to see his kids and his extended family as well. Bill was the type of guy who always wanted to be helpful. He would often fix things or help out around his kid’s homes on his visits, trying to make things better for them. He did this on visits with friends, and other family too. He was a great problem solver, and had creative ways to “make things work”, most likely the product of his upbringing on the farm. Unfortunately, illness is one of those things that may not be avoided as we age, and Bill would not escape getting some life changing news. It was Pancreatic Cancer. Although the prognosis wasn’t good he fought 2 years and continued to ride his bike daily, even during treatments. Although he made it through chemo and surgeries - ultimately the cancer would spread and ravish his body. Bill and his daughter made the journey to Port Huron, Michigan, where he was able to be a closer to family and friends in his last months. Bill always kept a positive outlook, even when he knew that his fight was nearing the end. He passed away in the most peaceful manner possible with loved ones by his side. Bill was known for his laughter, wit, drive, stubbornness, passions, strength and work ethic. He will be missed by his children, grandchildren, many family, and friends as they hold him in their hearts. Bill wished to be returned home to Ontario, Canada - where a private ceremony will take place on October 5, 2024 and interment at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Ethel, Ontario, Canada. Arrangements in care of Jowett Funeral Home - Port Huron.

Johan Van Loo

April 18, 1946 - September 3, 2024