It is with great sadness and sorrow that our family wish to announce the passing of Johan (Hans) Edmond Berlie, in his 71st year in Oshawa, Ontario Canada. He was predeceased by his parents Wilhelmus Berlie and Margaret Berlie (nee van Hees). Father of his beloved children: Monique Spooren (Alex), Jenny Schrurs (Maurits), Karin (deceased), Hans Snelders (Janneke Moonen) and five grandchildren Dani, Brent, Ties, Guusje and Daan. He will be sorely missed by his sister, Margaret vom Dorff (Bernd), niece Monika Borst (Mike) and great-niece Maggie, nephew, Karl vom Dorff as well as his extended family and many friends in both Canada & Europe.
Hans was born in the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada with his parents in 1952. He grew up in Canada, but moved back to the Netherlands as a young man and attained a technical career in electronics working for Philips of Eindhoven. During this period he married and started his family there.
Tragically, in his mid-thirties Hans suffered a devastating and catastrophic motor vehicle accident that left him with a permanent disability. He moved back to Canada shortly thereafter working hard to make a living. Among his many talents and jobs, he was a small business owner, DJ, major radio station host/disc jockey, welder and courier – he never let his disability get in the way and was admired for his will and determination.
Despite eventually becoming a double-amputee due to complications from the motor vehicle accident earlier in life, and suffering from systemic pain, Hans loved life, wore a smile on his face, and always had a joke up his sleeve. He brought humour to any gathering and lightened and brightened up the faces of all around him. When you asked him how he was, the answer was always ‘I’m Grrrrrreat!. He had such an admirable and positive outlook on life.
Hans will be leaving a large hole in his small Canadian family and family abroad, but we believe he is in a better place where he will suffer no more. May God bless his soul and may he rest in peace.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no service at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lakeridge Health Oshawa Critical Care Unit or CAMH.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Johan Hans Edmond
Berlie 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Cobourg, Province: Ontario
Dear Dad, I miss you so much! The last time I saw you alive, was 24 years ago. And my greatest wish, was to see you, after all those years. But suddenly you where diseased. I was in shock. But my Godmother send me your ash and a dead notification. Now I have you at home. Finally you are with me. I love you so much. But I know that you are my guardian angel. Xoxo from your daughter Jenny.