Obituary of Antonius “Tony” van Hal
Mr. Antonius “Tony” van Hal was born in Sint-Michielsgestel, Netherlands. He was the son of the late Wilhelmus and Johanna (Goosens) van Hal. Tony came to Canada from Holland in 1960. In Holland, he had been a sheep farmer. When he arrived in Canada, he started as a farmhand, speaking very little English. Over the years, he became a “jack of all trades”.
During his lifetime, he was a butcher, owned a shingle mill, drove cab, tanned sheepskins, made beehives, and sold his goods at the farmer’s market, including some of the best sausages and smoked salmon you’ve ever tasted.
At the age of 48 he met the love of his life, Lorraine O’Neill and the following year they would be married. At the age of 53, their love story flourished, and Tony became a father. He had a deep love for his family and was incredibly proud of both of his children. In fact, to say Tony was a proud father is an understatement. He carried pictures of his children, and often their report cards too, in his wallet to brag to anyone who would listen. Eventually, he would do the same with his grandchildren.
Tony was a friend and mentor to many. He was involved in his church and community.He was a scout leader and made a contribution to the lives of youth, and into his 80’s, would take communion to the “old people” at the nursing home.
Tony’s door was always open to friends, as well as to his children’s friends. “Big Tone’s” house was always a safe place and all were welcome.
Tony was honest, sometimes to a fault, but it was always from a place of love. To Tony, material things weren’t important. People were.
Tony was a kind, generous and honest man with a big heart and strong faith. He loved to talk and tell stories.
He took any opportunity he could to make another person smile or laugh.
On Remembrance Day he was asked to speak to students at the local schools about his experience growing up as a youth during World War II in Holland. He belonged to the NB Sheep Breeders Association and often too his sheep to the fairs, winning many awards. He was fondly referred to as “The Shepherd”.
He will live on in the hearts of his loving wife, Lorraine (O’Neill); his daughter, Andrea van Hal; his son, Wilhelmus van Hal (Krista); his sisters: Riek Peijnenburg, Fien van de Koevering (Tiny) and Riet van de Veerdonk (Nico); hisgrandchildren: Gracey Smith, Emma Smith, Liam Kell, Lauren Kell, Brandon vanHal, Audrey Kell and Cameron van Hal; as well as several nieces, nephews andextended family members.
Mr. Antonius “Tony” van Hal of Sus passed away at the Sus Health Centre on May 4, 2020 at the age of 92.
Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings: Harrie van Hal, An Habraken and Sjaan Dijkstra; his brothers -in-law: Bert Habraken, Gerald O’Neill, Walter Peijnenburg, Gijs Dijkstra and Bill Vicars and by his sister-in-law, Barbara(O’Neill) Vicars.
Tony’s family would like to thank the staff of NB Extramural Program Nurses, Green Meadows Special Care Home and The Sus Health Centre for the excellent care that he was provided. A special thanks to his two favourite nurses Sue McFarland and Jackie Friars for going above the call of duty. Thank you to Dr. Stevenson and Dr. Butler for the care you provided our husband and father over the years. Andrea and Wil would like to thank all of their family and friends for their loving support for their mom and dad throughout Tony’s care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home (506-433-1176), 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sus, NB. Due to COVID-19, visitation and a Celebration of Tony’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations be made to St. Francis Xavier Parish Church or the charity of your choice. Condolences to the family and donations may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Antonius Tony
van Hal 1927 2020..
Death notice for the town of: SUSSEX, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick