Obituary of John Hoonaard

Went home to glory on January 21^st in his 75^th year after a valiant battle with cancer.

Beloved husband to Jenny for 47 years. Loving Dad to Tina (Todd) Lang, Peter (Kim) Hoonaard, Carl Hoonaard, Evan Hoonaard and Camellia Hoonaard (Brett Van Dyk). Loving Grandpa to Taia, Nathan, Mackenzie, Meadow, Shelby, Corbin, Grant and Theodore. Brother to Clem (Janet) Hoonaard. Brother-in-law to Evert (Liz) Stryker, Henrietta (Fred) VanderSterre, Carl (Wilma) Stryker, Albert (Deb) Stryker and John (Charlene) Stryker. Also missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents Piet & Mary and in-laws Ralph & Jantina.

John was born in Holland and immigrated to Canada with his parents and older brother in 1949, first settling in the Exeter area and then on the farm on Walton Road. John bought the family farm in 1973 and married Jenny the following year. Together they raised their five children on the farm and eventually retired to their new home in Blyth. John was someone who enjoyed life to the fullest. He would say, “Let’s have coffee first and then we’ll get at it, if not today, then tomorrow.” He always had a friendly light-hearted manner about him and would soon have you laughing with him.  John loved the natural world, whether bird watching with his binoculars, or sitting on a stone pile watching the cattle graze in the pasture field. John was a talented fine woodworker and gardener. The last few years he enjoyed riding his e-bikes on the G2G trail and tending to his beehives. Even though cancer shortened his life he was very thankful for the years the Lord gave him.

Visitation will take place at the Blyth Christian Reformed Church on Monday, January 24^th from 2-4 and 7-9 pm with funeral service to follow on Tuesday, January 25^th at 11 am.

If you are feeling ill please do not attend the service. Please wear a mask and social distance.

Live streaming of the service can be viewed on the Blyth Christian Reformed Church youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0DTNoKAr8Y83bpNQvd4xow

A memorial video for John can be viewed at https://www.icloud.com/photos/#02fBk3FVpxq_L_tpjefZh1ODA

Interment in the Spring at Blyth Union Cemetery.

Pastor Gary Van Leeuwen officiating.

In lieu of flowers and as expression of sympathy donations to the Huron Hospice or the G2G Rail Trail would be appreciated.

Cards of sympathy may be sent to Box 171, Blyth N0M 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca