Cornelis Smit
November 25, 2021
Smit, Cornelis (Cor)
Peacefully on Thursday November 25th, 2021 Cornelis Smit in his 93rd year with his family by his side after a life well lived.
Dear husband to Klaske, married for 65 years. They were fortunate to meet in Canada after immigrating here from the Netherlands. They stepped into the joys and challenges of raising a family and farming together!
Cor loved his children and grandchildren deeply. Father to Jerry (Elizabeth) and Pamela (Michael) and Opa to Brendan, Seamus (Chelsey), Aidan and Matthew. We have cherished memories of family gatherings. Laughter, good stories, a debate and maybe even an arm wrestle. Cor was always ready to entertain family with mischievous anecdotes from his childhood (which may or may not have been exaggerated!)
Cor was the happy guy on his trike on the Russell trail greeting everyone with a friendly wave and smile! Always ready for a chat (especially if you had a dog) and maybe a tall tale or two.
His legacy includes a love of birds and the many years of raising ducks and geese on the ponds on the farm and then at his retirement home on Forced Road. Known as the “birdman of Russell”, Cor loved an excuse to show off his collection to friends, family, and neighbours.
Cor grew up in Vinkeveen (de Polder) just south of Amsterdam. He is predeceased by his 13 siblings. Cor and Klaske have many strong ties with the Smit and Boersma families in the Netherlands, the Berkelaar family here in Canada (through sponsorship by Cor and his brother Pieter) and their dear friends the Mesteroms.
Cor was an environmentalist and wanted to protect the many species on this planet. If desired, donations can be made to the World Wildlife Fund www.worldwildlife.org/ or your charity of choice in memory of Cor.
Our family wishes to thank the team of the Complex Continuing Care unit of the Winchester Hospital for their tender care and support.
All who appreciated Cor’s big spirit are welcome to visit his memorial on Forced Road beside the nature trail– you will see his trike. Cards with your thoughts and memories will be greatly appreciated.
At Cor’s request funeral services will be held privately. Condolences may be left at www.daleyffh.ca
November 25 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Cornelis Smit November 25 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Metcalfe, Province: Ontario