Born in Krabbendijke, Zeeland, the Netherlands on November 24, 1929.
At South Huron Hospital, Exeter on Friday, September 8, 2017 of Grand Bend in his 88th year. Dear son of the late Anthonie Hirdes and Sanna (nee Suzanne de Waal) Hirdes. Beloved husband of the late Anna (van Loon). Dear father and father-in-law of Tony Hirdes and partner Anne-Marie Bergeron of Stratford, Case and Lily Hirdes of Peterborough, John and Bonnie Hirdes of Elora and daughter-in-law Debbie Hirdes of Stratford. Dear grandfather of Heather and Mike, Beth and Rob, and Janel; Sarah, Shaun and Brooke, Adam and Kristina, and Samantha; and Daniel; and great-grandfather of Tess, Cole, Theo, Ethan, Sidney, Adrian, Ashton, Aden, Kian, Ryker, and Duke. Dear brother of Miep Visker of Sommelsdyk, the Netherlands. Predeceased by brother Adriaan Hirdes.
Family acknowledgement of sponsorship to Canada in 1966 by Bertrand Grenier, of Saint-Georges de Beauce (Quebec).
Friends may call at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, (1 street west of Main) Exeter on Tuesday from 5-9 PM. The funeral service will be held at the Exeter Christian Reformed Church, 330 Huron Street West, Exeter on Wednesday, September 13th at 1 PM with Pastor Kevin teBrake officiating. Immediately following the service, there will be a lunch held in the church hall, followed by interment at Pinery Cemetery, Grand Bend.
Donations to Cystic Fibrosis Canada-London Chapter would be 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).
Jan and Riek Dannenberg-Pas
Dear family,
Sorry for your los of your dad.
He had to visited us last august but unfortunately he didnt made it.
He has been at the Pas family in Rijssen, during the second world war. My mother, Riek Dannenberg-Pas has warm memories to him.
My parents, Jan and Riek Dannenberg-Pas, visited your dad in Canada and stayed at his home. It was a great trip.
We will remember him.
With kind regards, Jan and Riek Dannenberg-Pas
Lynne, Phil and Family
Dear John, Bonnie and Dan,
We were sad to hear of John’s father sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Family hug to you all,
Lynne, Phil and girls
Henriëtte van der Roest
Dear John,
I am sorry for your loss. I wish you, Bonnie, and your family all the strenght needed in this difficult period.
Henriëtte
Jean-Claude Henrard
My condoleances for this sad loss. My friendly thoughts are with you during this hard time
Sergio Arino-Blasco and Maria
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Marie-Jeanne Kergoat
Dear John
This is a very difficult trial for you to sustain and I wish you to find comfort in the memories of happy moments captured in these family pictures.
Sincères condoléances,
Marie-Jeanne Kergoat
k steel
Please be assured that Elizabeth and I are thinking of you and send you our condolences. Knight
Nawaf Madi
John, Bonnie and family: My sincere condolences on the loss of your Father and Grandfather. John, the stories of your Dad’s immigration and achievements in Southern Africa, the Netherlands and Canada must surely continue to inspire you. May he rest in peace and may you find serenity in this difficult time. Nawaf.
Mary Boutette
John
We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. The tributes here speak to a remarkable man and a life well lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Boutette and the team at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre
Rakel Valdimarsdottir
Dear John and Bonnie
We are very sad to hear about the loss of your father
Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time
Rakel and Sigurdur
Iceland
Patricia Smith
So sorry for your loss Tony. I always remember your kindness on the loss of my sister and our years in ICU.
Harriet Finne-Soveri and Pertti Soveri
Our deepest condolences on your loss. With depeest compassion
Erin MacDonald
John and family,
On behalf of York Care Centre, we extend our sincere condolences to you for the loss of your father.
Erin MacDonald, Kevin Harter and the team from YCC
Margaret Rowland
TONY and family,
My sympathy on the passing of your father. It is obvious from his obituary that he was a great humanitarian. His works will not go unrewarded. Take pride that you are his son. Thinking of you—and I know L.K. will be as well.
Margaret Rowland
Jim Gratton
John, so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers as you celebrate his remarkable life.
Nancy Boxer
Dear Hirdes Family:
We are saddened to hear of Cor’s passing. We enjoyed his visits to the plant and his many stories he shared. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Staff at Easy Building Products
Ron Hoffman
Dear John, Bonnie and Daniel,
Please accept my sincere condolences over your lose. My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. Ron
Shirley & Murray MacAlpine
Your father has an incredible history of accomplishments, John … It goes without saying, ‘like-father-like-son’. You continue to carry on his legacy in your dedication to research, sharing and teaching – improving the health and well-being of individuals across the globe! This gift from your father is one that will bring comfort as you grieve … cause … no matter how old we get … the loss, of our parents, leaves behind a very wounded heart. Sending you prayers and a whole lot of love … Shirley & Murray
A. Hirdes
Dear family,
We, Toon and Ria Hirdes, were very sad to hear about the sudden loss of our uncle Cornelis. He often visited us and stayed at our home. The telephone calls were many. Our talks about technical issues are over now. Many trips Toon and Cor made, both for the mission as well as family visits. Too many to describe.
We also shared his concerns. Your father and opa took refuge in the Lord and that is what we wish for you as well, for now and the days to come.
Toon en Ria Hirdes
Jennifer Berger
John, Bonnie, Dan and family
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending my prayers.
Jennifer
Jeff Poss
John, Bonnie, Dan & family
My thoughts are with you at this time of loss. I love the wonderful photos that reinforce the pictures in my mind (from your stories, John) of a man who lived a rich and colorful life.
Jenny Leemans
Dear John and Bonnie and family,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I went to Krabbendijke in the Netherlands today, not knowing that was the place of birth of your father. My thoughts are with you.
Harriët Wijnmaalen
Dear family,
We are very sorry to learn about the loss of your father and grandfather, our ‘ome Kees uit Canada’. As grandchildren of his brother, Adrie Hirdes, we always had a good time with him when he visited Holland and stayed at our parents (Toon and Ria) home. His great sense of humor and the way he was interested in many things made him a special person. The first thing I (Harriet) thought was, now I will never hear him say ‘Ha nooddruffie…’ . Calling me ‘nooddruft’ was a special joke between him and me and I will miss that.
We hope and pray that you all will receive the strength of our Lord in the days to come.
Harriët and Pieter Wijnmaalen – Hirdes
Emma, Anne Jet & Pieter jr.
Andrea Foebel
Dear John, Bonnie, Dan, and family,
I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of your father, John. My deepest condolences on your loss and I hope there is some time together as a family to reflect on your fond memories of him.
Bianca Stern
Sincerest condolences on the loss of your father from the CABHI team. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration.
Sherilyn Learoyd
Dear Kees, Lil, Sam, Shaun, Adam and Sarah:
We wish to send much love and comfort at this time of great loss and be assured that while we can’t be there physically our hearts are always close. Please remember we are here for you whenever you need us.
Love, Sher, Brian, Brad & Shannon
Tammy Retalic
Dear John,
Thinking of you and your family during this very sad times. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your special memories help to comfort you during this time of grief.
Tammy
Laura Fillmore Evans
Dear John and Bonnie,
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your Dad, and wish you strength during this difficult time. I am sorry I never got to meet him — he must’ve been an amazing man! It seems you continue to carry on his work in important ways, bringing medical care to those in need around the world. Laura
Patricia Sullivan-Taylor
Dear John,
We are very sorry to learn of the sudden loss of your father. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family as you remember his considerable impact across the globe. On behalf of all your colleagues and friends at Accreditation Canada.
Sincerely,
Patricia
Joanna Sinn
Dear John, Bonnie, and family,
I was so sad to hear of your father’s passing. My parents also wish to offer their condolences. We are with your family during this difficult time.
Frank Arocha
Dear John,
I’m very sorry for the loss of your father. My sincerest condolences.
Alice Hirdes
John, Bonnie,Daniel and Hirdes family
We are deeply saddened by the passing of the beloved and vibrant Cornelis. We remember with affection the privilege of having met him last year. You are in our prayers and thoughts at this difficult time.
Alice and Elton
Abdulrazak Abyad
Dear John and Family
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved one. Please accept my deepest condolences. my condolences bring you comfort and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss.
Abdulrazak
Vahe Kehyayan
Dear John and family:
I am very sorry about the loss of your dear father. Thinking of you during this very difficult time. Please accept my deepest condolence. Vahe & Knar
J.S. Ridderhof-Visker
Dear Tony, John and Cees,
Vanuit Holland onze welgemeende condolance met het verlies van jullie vader. Plotseling is hij van jullie weggenomen na een veel bewogen leven. Wij hopen dat hij nu rust gevonden heeft in zijn Zaligmaker en God waarop hij, voorzover wij weten, vertrouwde.
Wij wensen jullie diezelfde rust en troost toe die bij Hem te vinden is. Veel sterkte gewenst de komende tijd.
We hebben dit geschreven namens zijn zus en jullie tante Miep Hirdes_-Visker en onszelf Rien en Anneke Ridderhof-Visker.
Andrew Costa
Dear John, Bonnie, Dan, and Family,
Our deepest condolences on your loss. From our conversations it’s clear that he lived a life of purpose and integrity. Hopefully that’s some consolation for what you lost.
Andrew & Leah Costa
Orna Intrator
Dear John, near and extended family,
I wish you hope and strength as you mourn the loss of your father and grandfather. My thoughts are with you.
Best,
Orna.
Brigette Meehan
Dear John, Bonnie and Daniel, we are very sad to hear the news of your father’s death. We can see from the list of wonderful tributes to your dad he was clearly loved and admired by many and will be missed . Sending our deepest sympathy and love, Brigette and Sue
Linda Faulhafer
Tony and families :
– a special person – REMEMBERED
– a beautiful life – HONOURED
may loving memories console you and bring you strength & comfort in the days
to come. I remember Mr. Hirdes as a gentleman of integrity and class , and am
proud to have met him. Please accept my sincere sympathy. – Linda Faulhafer
Helen Chen
Dear John and family
My condolences on the passing of your father. May your Dad rest in peace and you are in our prayers during this difficult time.
Helen
Veronica Jung
Dear John and family,
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. I’m praying for you and your family. Please accept my condolences.
Betsy Howard
Dear Bonnie and John,
I am very sorry to hear about the death of your father.
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely — Betsy
Susan Wood
John and family, Such a sudden event, unexpected. Thinking of you and your family.
Hongsoo Kim
Dear John, Bonnie, and family
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved one. Please accept my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hongsoo
John Garcia
I am very sorry John.
Anja Declercq
Dear John, Bonnie and Dan,
Our thoughts are with you in these difficult times.
Hugs from Peter, Aaron and Anja.
Dr Aba Peter
Dear John and the entire Hirdes Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dad who is also like a foster father to many of us in Nigeria. Our consolation is in the fact that his absence in the body only means that he is present with The Lord. Be encouraged in this. You’re very much in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time for your family. I shall send a tribute tomorrow on the behalf of his Nigerian brethren and friends.
Bagaragaza Emmanuel
Dear John, Bonnie and family
I am saddened to hear the loss of your beloved parent.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
I am sending you my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time
Charles Phillips
JOHN and family;
Both Catherine and I offer our sincerest condolences. I remember you telling me about your father’s work in Nigeria. You were rightfully proud of his efforts. I’m sure he was equally proud of you and your good works. We hope this can be a time you celebrate his life and cherish the time you had with him. Charles and Catherine
Tina Mah
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your loved ones. Thinking of you during this difficult time. May you find some solace and peace in the memories you share of good times together.
Kasia Szczerbinska
Dear John and family,
I am very sorry for your loss of Dad.
And I would like to support you with my whole heart in this hard time.
Kasia with family
Edgardo
Dear John,sorry to hear about your fathers death. Ann Edgardo
Mabel
Dear John and family. Please accept my deepest condolences for your great loss. Will keep you in my prayers
Mabel Yap (Singapore)
Paula Fletcher
John, Bonnie & Dan ~ I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and all your family. XO
Leon Geffen
Dear John and family
Wishing you our sincere condolences during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.
Fondest
Leon Geffen & Ruth Munitz
Iris Chi
Dear John and Hirdes family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad and Grandfather’s pass. Please accept my condolence .
Iris Chi
Dr AB Dey
Heartfelt condolences.
Brant Fries and Max Gibson
Max and my thoughts, and I’m sure those of all in our consortium from around the world, are with you in these difficult times. Cornelius was an amazing man, devoted this whole life to helping others; he will be remembered.
Joon Lee
I am very sorry for this loss. My deepest condolences.
John Sieling
Tony, family and friends, my sincere condolences. There are no words that can ever begin to express how sorry I am for your loss. God has gained another angel. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Katherine Berg
John and family,
my thoughts are with you at this very sad and stressful time.
There are many stories and memories that will keep your father close to your heart.
You have many friends, colleagues and extended family. Please do call on us to help in any way we can.
Paul Stolee and Christine Zaza
We are so sorry for the loss of your father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. He was clearly a remarkable man, and will be greatly missed.
Lynn Martin
Thinking of you during this very difficult time. Big hugs.
Wilma and Henry de Young
Dear Tony, Deb and children:
Thinking of you all as you mourn the loss of your loved one. May you receive comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Martin Reedyk
A tribute to Cor Hirdes:
We are writing as Cor’s colleagues of about 19 years, working together with our team of medical professionals who had an interest in supporting the rehabilitation of the mission hospital at Mkar, Nigeria. Cor met one of the members of the team, Len Gabrielse, on one of his winter trips to Tampa Bay, Florida. Cor was immediately captivated by the work we were doing and offered his services as a biomedical engineer to accompany the team.
Cor was an enthusiastic cheerleader for the team: locating and refurbishing equipment, raising funds and injecting enthusiasm at every opportunity. He was not in any way deterred by his own health issues. When the heat put too much strain on his heart, he cheerfully reminded me that he had his own team of dedicated physicians along. When, over the last few years, his health condition made it impossible to personally travel to Nigeria, he continued to travel across Ontario to locate equipment, bring it home in order to get it into tiptop shape and find ways to get it shipped to Nigeria. His trips to Holland to wheel and deal on generators for Nigerian hospital continued after he was no longer able to travel to Nigeria. When further failing health made that difficult, he continued to call us and tried to arrange for us to get our equipment needs met.
The loss of his dear wife Ann was a serious blow to him from which he never fully recovered, but even in the midst of his loss, he remained in contact with us regularly about medical equipment needs.
We will long remember Cor as a trusted and faithful colleague. He was committed to unselfish service of the needs of medically under served rural people of Nigeria through Christian health organizations. Cor has been an inspiration for us and we can truly say that when our own enthusiasm flagged, Cor never failed to breathe new hope and energy. He will be sorely missed.
Martin Reedyk and Len Gabrielse
Suzanne Tighe
So very sorry for the loss of your Dad (Kees and Lil) and Grandfather (Shaun, Adam, Sarah). I know he was a great man because he has a great family. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. Big (((hugs))) to you all. With love, Snoozer xoxo