Passed away suddenly, after a brief illness on October 23, 2024 at Stratford General Hospital, at the age of 66, surrounded by those who loved him so deeply, and whom he loved dearly.
Alf is survived by his adoring wife Rita (nee Boender) of 42 years. He is also survived by his parents Simon and Hennie de Groot of Neerlandia, AB. He was a passionately dedicated father to Lisa de Groot, Marc (Cynthia) de Groot, Sarah (Bryan) Hunter, and Emily (Tom) de Groot. He was the doting, patient, and endlessly energetic grandfather (“Bubba”) to his 10 grandchildren who absolutely adored him; Jackson, Jill, Kaedy, William, Charlie, Lindsay, Alfie, Jacob, Bruce and Billie.
Alf was raised on a dairy farm in Neerlandia, AB, before eventually starting his own family farm a few fields away. In 1995 he moved east to Ontario with his young family where he continued his love of farming on his Coursey Line Sheep farm where the de Groots still live today.
Alf has since spent nearly 20 years as a dedicated and beloved employee of Hodgins Custom Service (Lucan). He will be sorely missed by Wayne and Karen Hodgins who were much more than just employers, and by his guys at the shop who were much more than just coworkers.
Alfred was also dedicated to serving his community through his multiple avenues of volunteer work. Most notably his work with the Friendship Community in Exeter, and his support of countless individuals in need of an extra dose of love.
The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at Stratford General Hospital, especially the ICU nurses, Doctor Vergara, and Doctor McKewan for their compassion and diligence during those difficult hours. They would also like to thank Pastor Steve Greene for giving Alfred and the family strength during his final moments.
Alfred’s funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 189 Main Street, Lucan on Wednesday, October 30th at 5pm (please arrive by 4:45 PM) with a reception/visitation to follow at Wayne and Karen Hodgins farm, 33721 Coursey Line, Lucan (approximately 6:30pm). Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting https://www.facebook.com/groups/154244587919726. A private family interment will be held at St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Sanctuary London or Anova (London) would be greatly appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Janet Mathers
My condolences for you and your family.
Anne Wiersma
Dear Rita and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. So sorry to hear of your loss. We have fond memories of Alfred when we visited a few years back. It was nice to be able to watch the service on line today.
Anne & Erik
Monique Otteson
Rita and the kids,
We are so deeply saddened to hear about Alfred. We have nothing but good memories of the many hours spent at your place in Neerlandia. Our hope is that you feel comfort from the arms of God’s children as you navigate the shock and sorrow this brings to your family. Please feel our giant hugs coming across all the miles to you.
With all our love,
Monique and David Otteson
Julie Cosman
To Rita and all of your family,
My deepest condolences to you all in the loss of your husband, dad and grandpa. It was so touching to hear the beautiful stories told at Alf’s funeral. He did such wonderful things for so many people!!!
Julie Cosman
Kathy McNaughton
I send my sincere sympathy to the entire de Groot family. I have fond memories of Alf’s smiling face in the audience of many concerts. May his love for all of you and your countless memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Kathy McNaughton
Kelly,Mark Mackenzie and Xavier Nixon
We are so sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers
Gord & Joanne Hardy
To Rita and family
Sincere sympathy for your loss. Alf was always so friendly and he will be missed in the community.
Julie Pepper
Julie Pepper and Mark Amos;
Rita, Lisa, Marc, Sarah & Emily & families, friends
Mark and I are so sorry for your loss !! Extremely shocking and we express our deepest sympathies. Alf was such a joyful loving person, always willing to help others in need. What a blessing to share our lives with him. We keep everyone in our prayers during this delicate time. 🙏
With sincere thoughts and prayers.
Alexandra Collins
My thoughts and prayers are with you
Love
Alexandra Collins
Tina Meindersma
Sincere sympathy to Rita and the whole family.
Tina Meindersma(née Huisman)
Edmonton,Ab
Ernest Doornberg
Dear Rita and extended family, we are saddened to hear of the passing of Alfred. We pray your hearts will slowly be healed as you remember him and the joy he gave you all. May the Lord surround you with His grace and comfort, now and always. Much love Ernest, Dawn, Skyler and Evan Doornberg
Anne and Beet Langendyk
Rita and Family
Our condolences for all of you. May our Lord and the love of friends and neighbours carry you through this hard time.
Irene Zwart
My condolences to you all
Franz and Catherine Weber
Dear Rita and Family
Our deepest Sympathy to the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Henry Doornberg
So sorry to about this Rita. Our sincere condolences to you and the family.
Henry, Karen, and Robbert Doornberg.
Joanne Walzack
Rita and family
I am so so sorry for the loss of your husband. From reading other condolences I have seen what a great man he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dean Van Arenthals
So sorry to hear of Alf’s passing, he was a great man and I always enjoyed talking to him at the shop or in the field.
Lee
Lisa and Family,
My sincerest condolences on your loss. Alf sounds like he was a wonderful man.
Thinking of you,
with love,
Lee
Verda Keays
So very sorry to hear of the loss of such a loved family member. My sincere condolences to the de Groot family. My thoughts and prayers are extended to you and hold the precious memories close to your heart to give you strength and comfort at this difficult time.
Bert Visscher
Our sincere condolences to the whole family. Alfred’s example of love shown through his leadership at Friendship is something we all want to emulate.He will be sorely missed. May the Lord give you all His peace and comfort as we journey forward. Bert and Wilma
The Burt Family
Dear Rita and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Alf’s passing. We are thinking of all of you and pray that the memories of him comfort during the times you need them the most.
Ben Kellert
Dearest Rita and family! Our most sincere condolences to all of you. May God grant you strength and comfort during this extremely difficult time! Sending out love and prayers!
Fred & Ann Zwaan
We are so sorry to learn of Alf’s passing. We extend our condolences and pray 🙏 that God will comfort his loved ones at this difficult time
Geri gibson
So sorry for your loss Rita and family
Sharon Lamb
Sincerest and heartfelt condolences to you and your wonderful family Rita!
It’s very difficult to lose the love of your life so suddenly .
Hugs from all of us at Sharon’s.
Simon and Eva Elgersma
Dear Rita and family,
Our sincerest condolences to you all. May our Lord and Saviour strengthen you and surround you with his love. We pray for comfort in this tough time.
Relish in the beautiful memories you have made together.
Peter & Audrey Boersma
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of your father. I know the family will miss him very much.
Joe and Jenna Dobbie and the girls
Dear de Groot family,
We are so deeply saddened for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Thinking about you.
Brenda, William (Bean), & Charlotte Hawkins
Rita, Lisa, Marc, Cynthia, Sarah, and Emily, & Families.
We are sending our sincere condolences to all of you on the loss of Alf.
Rita, know that we are thinking of you and sending our love – you know to reach out to us whenever you need to, we are a stone throw – side road away from a coffee and a hug! Alf will always be remembered by his sense of humour. Every single Hallowe’en, Charlotte and her friends would go to the de Groot’s for a visit and candy. Alf would go upstairs and find a potato for each of the girls as that is what he handed out; they all got a chuckle with this every time he did it. The adoration and love he had for you Rita and his family was so evident. He gave without receiving and Charlotte, Janessa, and Jillian and I were blessed to go and help him and Rita one Christmas at Sanctuary London where they served the less fortunate a turkey dinner and gave a gift of toiletries – teaching them the true meaning of Christmas. He introduced the girls to all of his friends that he helped every single week at this Church. Selfless, and so compassionate – may he rest in the sweetest peace.
Carolynn Hodgins
Rita Lisa Marc Sarah Emily and family
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Alf. Hold tightly all the beautiful fun memories of a husband father and grandfather who was so deeply loved💔
Paul Carolynn Hodgins and family
Tim and Joy DeWeerd
We are so sorry for your loss!
We are praying for strength for all of you in the journey ahead.
We have such fond memories of spending time with the de Groot gang!
Alf’s smile and laughter and crazy little antics flood our memories!
May the God of hope sustain you and carry you through this great loss!
Love to you all!!
Marius Vandenberg
Rita and family,
When we met, Alf was always the perfect example of joy. We thank you for this, and offer our prayers for you. We will miss his offer of potatoes instead of candy for Halloween and his generosity in all he did.
Marius and Monica next door
Juanita
Rita, Lisa, Marc, Sarah & Emily & families,
We are so shocked and saddened to hear of your loss! Alf always had a smile on his face, a hearty welcome into your home. It was a place I loved to be in, with very special people. Hold tight to all your memories. Keep sharing and telling all the things that were Alf. Sending biggest hugs and prayers for peace and courage as you carry on.
Martha Pellarin
Alf’s smile and encouragement will be greatly missed by the George Street boys, at Friendship group in Exeter. I will never forget his positive words to everyone and his love of friendship he shared to all of us. My prayers go out to all his family and friends.
Ally
Lisa and the de Groot family,
Words seem to fail my ability to convey the most sincere condolences on this tremendous loss of yours. My family is thinking of you and sending strength on the road ahead.
Yetty and John Joosse
Dear Rita and family. So sorry to hear of Alf’s passing. Always appreciated his authenticity. His smile. God surround you with his love, grace, strength and comfort as you grieve and miss him so much. Love, Yetty and John
A&E Boersma
Lisa & Family,
We were saddened to hear of your father’s passing.
Our deepest sympathy on your loss.
You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Margaret Klingenberg
Dear Rita and family. We wish you God’s comfort during this very difficult time. Alf was truly an amazing, positive, kind man! He made everyone feel special and loved. He will be greatly missed by so many! He is with his Heavenly Father and you will meet again, someday. Love Steve and Marg
Jeff & Teresa Young
Rita and family So sorry to hear of your loss Alfred was a hard worker and a great guy Our deepest condolences
Kim and Steve Bowman
Dear Rita and family
Our deepest condolences to you in this difficult time. May your wonderful memories comfort you in the days ahead.
God Bless
Joan Greenlee
Rita – to you and your family – so sorry for your loss. Joan Greenlee and Gardner McDonald
Maria Tremeer
Sarah, Bryan, Alfie and Billie,
We are praying for you at this difficult time.
Maria, Greg, Emily, Laura, and Julia
Judy Hansen
Sorry for the loss of a son and a husband.
Jannie Verbeek
Dear Rita and family. Karl and I are so sorry for your loss. Friendship and so many others will miss him. He was an outgoing, loving man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Karl and Jannie Verbeek
Cathy Mussio
Rita and Family
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband, father and grandfather. I know you will all find strength in your strong family bonds through this difficult time. Thinking of you all. Hugs and prayers.
Cathy Mussio
Charlie &Darlene Koebel
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with all of You at this most difficult time.🙏🏻
Audrey Monk
To the entire de Groot family
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father. I remember back in our 4H days Alf was always such a great supporter of not only his kids but the entire club and community. Always had a kind word and smile for everyone.
May your treasured memories help you through this difficult time
Pete & Pat Van Geleuken
To Rita & the de Groot family-please accept our sincere condolences on your loss of Alf. We remember his sense of humour & his hard work ethic. We truly hope you hold your fond memories of him close to your heart for comfort.
Dawn Koudijs
My deepest condolences to Rita and her family. Alfred will be greatly missed by so many which is a testament to how many lives he touched.
Sending love and holding you and your family in prayer.
Dawn and Richard
Joan &Bob Finkbeiner
Reta and Family: Our thoughts and Prayers are with you at this sad time Alf was amazing man he always made everyone around him feel like his family. God Bless to all RIP Alf he is really going to be missed Big Hugs
Todd & Shauna Makepeace
Rita and family,
We send our condolences to all of you. May the memories of the amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend help comfort you and his love of you all gentle wrap around you.
Sorry for your loss, sending love, prayers to all of you.
Todd & Shauna Makepeace
Trina Reid John Ray
Dear Marc, Cynthia and family. We are very sad to hear the passing of your father.. he touched my daughter Kennedy’s heart. When she came there a few summers she described him as such an outgoing, kind and vibrant man, always doing things and loved his family. Obliviously he passed these wonderful traits onto Marc we are grateful to have in our lives.. sending all our love and prayers to you all… love from John Ray, Kennedy, Trina, and Geron
Barbara McCann
Sincere sympathy on Alf’s passing. I witnessed Alf’s love, kind and caring ways at the Friendship summer BBQ at your farm. Community Living South Huron will be forever grateful to have had Alf in their lives. Love lives on, cherish the memories you hold dear.
Anne-Marie V.
To the whole de Groot family.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your loved family member. I remember going to Edmonton Christian High school with him and other members of your family. May you be comforted by the Holy Spirit in this difficult time
Hutchinson family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time
Brenda Smith
Rita and Family
So sorry for your loss
Fred has many memories of working with him at Wayne Hodgins business
Always remember the good times and keep close to your hearts
Hugs RIP
Julie
We are so very sorry for your loss! Our deepest condolences to you all! Alf will be dearly missed by all! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! 🙏🏻 ❤️
Anne Rollings
Rita and family; Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. I know Nathan and the other guys at the shop are going to miss him terribly. My sincere condolences,
Anne Rollings
Chuck & Tanya Erb
Rita & Family,
My heart breaks for each one of you. I know how much his family meant to him.
Sometimes there are just no words. We will keep you in our Thoughts & Prayers
Carol Damen
My deepest sympathy to you Sarah and Bryan , Rita and your entire family . May you wrap your arms around each as you navigate through this most heartbreaking time. Holding you all in prayer.
Joyce and Jim Pelley
To Rita and family… your loss is overwhelming and there are no earthly words that seem sufficient. My prayer for you all is that you claim the hope you have in your faith… and the assurance that Alf is now with his Lord and Savior. He will be so missed by so many …. Sending our deepest sympathies to you all..
Matthew Holden
Alfred was more than just a coworker to me. A friend and even a father figure. He truly is one of a kind and will absolutely be missed.
Piper Kearney
We will miss him greatly at friendship group in Exeter.
So sorry for your loss.
Piper