Parcourez la nécrologie de Neil Van Loo Monday June 17th 2024 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles

Cornelius «Neil» Van Loo of Tara and formerly of Listowel, passed away peacefully at his home on June 17, 2024, with his loving wife Liz (Jacklin) by his side. He was 64 years old.
He also leaves behind his four children and their spouses, Mandy Van Loo of Listowel, Lori Van Loo & Shane Blatchford of Wroxeter, Pamela & Steven Kerr of Owen Sound, and Andrew & Tracey Van Loo of Owen Sound.
He was a loving and cherished Grandpa / Papa / Opa and will be dearly missed by Jade, Hadlee, & Karsyn, Stanley & Maybelle, Harper & Myla.
Brother of Teuni & Fred Smith of Brussels, Bill Van Loo of Florida, Jane & Dave Dunford of Burlington, Martha & John Kratz of Sarnia, and John & Jeanette Van Loo of Bluevale. Brother-in-law to Muriel Gibson & Colin (Chuck) McIntyre of Welland (formerly Listowel). Neil also leaves behind several beloved nieces & nephews.
Predeceased by his parents Kornelius «Kase» & Martha (Van den Hoed), his brother Everette Van Loo, his parent-in-laws Sheldon & Velma (Cook) Jacklin, sister-in-law Caroline (Jacklin) Sage, nephew Chris Smith and a niece Joyell Sage.
Neil was born and raised on a dairy farm in Huron County that his parents had purchased after immigrating to Canada from the Netherlands. From the moment he was brought home to the farm, the farming life was etched into his soul. He loved his machinery and the cows and his childhood was surrounded by working with all the parts of farming that he was passionate about. Neil built a strong work ethic from growing up on the farm.
When he was 16, he was already building himself up for his future life surrounded by farming. He met his wife Liz, when he was 16 and together they worked on building their dreams and legacy on their farm. Neil was never afraid of risks and it was with these risks that he helped grow to build a future for his children in farming. This mindset is what allowed him to sell his home farm in Huron County and move over an hour away to Grey County with hopes he would give his kids a better opportunity to grow in the farming business.
Neil was as strong as ox and was never afraid to work. You could find him helping out friends and neighbours pouring concrete and helping build whatever projects they had wanted to accomplish. You wouldn’t hear him complain of aches and pains from the hard days he put in. He worked hard to instill the same work ethics into his family and found joy in his accomplishments. Having recognition of the hard days he had put in to achieve a better life for his family was all he ever asked for.
Neil had a booming voice that would take over any room or space and everyone knew when he was around. He had a love of conversation with people and would spend hours talking to others, especially if the topics were farm related. Neil was never short on opinions and would tell things matter-of-fact on how he saw it. Even with times of disagreement with others he would be back the next day and carried on without hard feelings. He knew the importance of working together to get things done and that words were just words and the work must go on without dwelling on the past.
Neil loved all of his children more than they would ever know. He enjoyed seeing their accomplishments in life and though he wasn’t one to voice how proud he was of them directly he took pride in telling others what his children had grown to become and the accomplishments they had in life. Neil also thought highly of his siblings. They had many good times growing up and he would often reminisce about stories from his childhood with his brothers and sisters on the farm. Although many did not live close by, he stayed in contact, always asking about them, and cared deeply for them all.
Neil loved to go for drives through the countryside. In his younger years, he would often take his family on Sunday drives. As the family grew up and moved onto their own families he continued to enjoy getting out to see what was happening in the farming communities.
Neil had a strong belief in being loyal to the people and things that meant something to him. It was with that loyalty that he built strong relationships with those he held so closely to him. These relationships would last a lifetime. Many knew Neil never steered away from purchasing anything ‘Ford’ related. If he ever did there was silence because everyone knew it took a lot for him to change. In his view, when you committed to something you needed to stick to it.
Neil valued his wife and confided in her through the years. They worked together to build the dreams they set to achieve. He always relied on Liz to help make decisions (even if he was set in stone on an idea) he still made sure she was aware of his thoughts and goals. He trusted what her views were and they worked together as a team to create a life that they could enjoy together. It was because of this bond that they had 45 years of marriage, through the thick and the thin. Neil cherished his marriage to Liz and the family they had together.
Neil loved to have a good laugh. He found humour in some of the craziest things and if there was a way to make a joke or find a way to be silly or goof around he was involved. That loud laughter could be heard by all as he told his stories in hopes that everyone would see the same humour he did. And if you didn’t get it the first time he wasn’t afraid to repeat it to see if he could get a laugh out of you.
It wasn’t until 2023 that Neil’s health was starting to take some major turns. This still did not deter him from facing each day and getting to work. Work still needed done. He didn’t complain about the changes occurring and typically would never even let on he was facing as many challenges as he was. It wasn’t until March of 2024 when he was diagnosed with ALS. Neil had already had a large decline in health but still made sure he did the things that brought him joy. He would get out to see what was going on at the dairy farm and enjoyed afternoon drives with Liz. He watched as the fields got planted and still made sure he got his say in what needed addressed. Neil wasn’t shy to dictate what needed to be done and why.
As Neil’s health continued to decline he found joy in company even if his visiting times were limited. Knowing there were people coming by and thinking of him brought comfort. His last Father’s Day, the smile on his face said it all as he walked in to sit with his family. That was a moment that meant the world to him and he enjoyed the conversation and seeing everyone together.
Neil’s strong-willed nature is what got him through some of the hardest things he faced in life and ALS proved to be one that he would challenge back just as hard. He was not going to let it define him and he was sure not going to let it stop him from doing the things he loved. The stubborn streak proved to be an important trait in getting through each day he faced.
Neil will be missed dearly by his family members. They will miss his booming voice, big stories, passion for farming and love for his family. He will forever hold a part in their lives and their hearts.
Visitation will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel, on Friday, July 5th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Interment and committal services will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Ethel, followed by the Celebration of Neil’s life at Knox Presbyterian Church, Listowel, at 11:00 a.m. The service will be live-streamed.
Click here to view service.
Memorial donations to the ALS Society of Canada or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca

Monday June 17th 2024

eaton funeral home

Décès pour la Ville:Listowel, Province: Ontario

avis deces Neil Van Loo Monday June 17th 2024

nécrologie Neil Van Loo Monday June 17th 2024

Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Neil Van Loo Monday June 17th 2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.