Willem "Bill" VANDERVEEN

Willem 'Bill' Vanderveen passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the age of 98. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Jenny Vanderveen (née DeGroot) for 73 years. Bill was the cherished father to Bill Vanderveen (Pam), Karen Veldhuizen (Pete), Mark Vanderveen (Mary), and Diana Vanderveen (Andreas). He was a special Opa to 14 grandchildren and 'Opa the Great' to 23 great-grandchildren. Bill was predeceased by his siblings and a special great-grandson, Ayden Garner (2023). He will be fondly missed by many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. Born in the Netherlands in 1928, Bill led a long and eventful life, including living through WW2 and serving in the Dutch military, with deployment in Indonesia. He immigrated to Canada in 1950 with his brother Bob and shortly after married Jenny. Bill had a working career in the manufacturing industry, retiring from GM in 1990 after 27 years. He was an active member of the Faith Fellowship church in Niagara Falls for many years. In his retirement, Bill enjoyed sailing and traveling the world with Jenny in their motorhome. His family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses and PSWs from Bayshore and the staff at Martindale Place for their care and compassion. Services will take place at Pathway Bible Church.