Bill went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, in his 81st year. Bill was born in Wierden, Overijsel, Netherlands , immigrated to Canada with his family in 1953. He passed away at his home in Exeter where he recently moved to from London, where he resided for 55 years.
He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who loved his Lord and Saviour. He enjoyed biking, hiking, and camping. Reading was his passion. Having a book on his lap was his comfort during his illness right to the end.
Bill will be dearly missed and remembered by his loving wife, Wendy, of 56 years, his 5 children, Yvonne and Reese VanderVeen, Debra Westerik, Shawn and Angela Westerik, Kerri and Harry Oudman, and Cheryl and Ian Hopkins. Papa will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Katelyn, Erika Esselman (Brad), Chad, Annalise VanderVeen; Matthew, Jackson, Carter Westerik (Tanya); Kyle, Rachel, Jayme Oudman; Aiden and Paxton Hopkins.
Survived by his siblings Joanne Kiers, George and Linda, Dianne, and Herman; also by his in-laws Sadie and Henry Post, Wilma and Bert Visscher, and Jean Vanderlaan, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Predeceased by his parents, Johan and Gesina Westerik; Lorita Westerik, John and Brian Kiers, Geri Westerik, Paul and Jeremy Truemner, Albert Vanderlaan, Tina Visscher.
Visitation will be held at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, EXETER on Friday, November 5 from 4-7 PM. The funeral service will be held at the Exeter Christian Reformed Church, 330 Huron Street West, Exeter on Saturday, November 6 at 10:30 AM with Pastor Reese VanderVeen officiating. Interment Exeter Cemetery. Due to Provincial COVID-19 restrictions, each person must RSVP for the visitation and funeral, please click “Register Now” below to register. If you are unable to attend, the family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live by visiting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCHRYyfwv0PqI21xhkLVsSQ.
Following the service there will be a reception at the church. Due to Provincial COVID-19 proof of vaccination restrictions, each person must show proof that they are fully vaccinated to attend the reception. Proof of vaccination can be attained by visiting covid19.ontariohealth.ca.
A special thank you to the Cancer unit at LHSC, especially Drs. Vincent and Andrews; the palliative team in London and the End of Life Care through St. Elizabeth Foundation. A very Special Thank You to his sweet nurse, Cassie Parsons, who brought a smile to his face daily as she walked in the door.
Donations to the LHSF – London Regional Cancer Program, or Saint Elizabeth Foundation 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).
Jack & Gertie Gerrits
Wendy and family:
Our condolences with the passing of Bill. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Cor and Alice
Our condolences with the loss off your husband Bill We wish you and your family the Lord strength in this difficult time
Francis and Connie VanRooyen
Our condolences to you Wendy and family, with the passing of Bill. We heard from our daughter and want to let you know we are thinking of you and wishing for you all you need during these days and also in the time ahead. Francis and Connie VanRooyen
Henk & Joke Van Olst
Dear Wendy,
Sending our condolences to you and your family with the passing away of Bill.
May the Lord give you strength and comfort at this time.
with our love,
Henk & Joke Van Olst
Carol & Brian Curran
Dear Wendy and family. We were so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was an amazing person and a great neighbour in London. Brian and I got to know him even more when we built the fence. He had an amazing smile and always so welcoming. Know that we are thinking about you during this very difficult time. Cherish all your great memories as I know there are many. Much love ❤️
Bernie and Linda DeJonge
Sending our condolences to you and your family! May God give you Strength and above all His peace for each day! We’re thinking of you and may you experience His comfort in the days and months ahead.
Crystal curran
We are so very sorry to hear that Bill has lost his battle of cancer, our deepest condolences Wendy and kids during these difficult times…we were always lucky to have such wonderful neighbours all these years…he will be greatly missed
Donna Morrison
Dear Wendy and family.
Sending condolences to you and yours. May you treasure all your memories. Thinking of you.
Donna Morrison
Keith & Alie Vandermeulen
Dear Wendy and family:
Our deepest sympathy to all of you with the passing of your dear husband, father and grandfather. We pray for the Lord’s strength and peace during this difficult time and in the days ahead.
Keith and Alie Vandermeulen
Peter & Rita Beerda
Our condolences to you Wendy and family. May Gods peace and comfort surround you all!
Jane komdeur
Dear Wendy and family, our sincere condolences with the passing of Bill we have fond memories of our time in Florida. We wish you much strength in the coming time and especially tomorrow,our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bert and Jane komdeur.
Harold and Lida DeVries
Dear Wendy and family
Our condolences with the passing of Bill.
We pray that God will comfort you in this difficult time.
Harold and Lida deVries
Joanne Pasma
Wendy and family
Our condolences with the loss of your husband, dad and grand dad. May God be near you all during this difficult time.
Tim and Joanne Pasma
Stanley family
Sending our sympathies to Wendy and the family. Bill was such a lovely, gracious man and will certainly be missed.
Mary Van Es
Dear Wendy and family
We extend our condolences to all of you.
May you all feel God’s presence during the next many weeks and months.
The LORD will keep you from harm
HE will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more.
Psalm 121:7,8
John and Mary Van Es
Jannie Van wieren
Dear Wendy and family,……my deepest sympathy to you all and I pray for extra measure of God’s grace as you say your final farewell..May our loving Father give you strength and peace…….Jannie Van Wieren
Baarda
Our condolences to Wendy and your family. We pray the Lord will comfort you in this difficult time. Reinder and Diana Basrda
Rick boer
Dear fam westerik
Wendy our condolences with passing away of Bill .
We wish you all the strength for the days to come
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers .Rick and Anne boer