Baelde, Wouter – April 19, 1932 – February 9, 2022
Peacefully at the Cornwall Community Hospital on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, Wouter Baelde of Cornwall, at the age of 89 years. Beloved husband of Geertje Baelde (nee Steenbergen). Loving father of Margaret Mol (Harry), Ronald Baelde (Louanne), Brenda vanDodewaard (Henry), and Nancy Couperus (George). Opa will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Chris (Tricia), Melanie (Brian), Jordan (Jenifer), Lisa (Tony), Shannon, Jessica (Christian), April, Jennifer (Simon), Kevin (Ashley) and Ashley, and by his 9 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his siblings Isaac, Meyer, Jannigje, Jan, and Frans, and by his parents Pieter and Flora (nee Buijserd) Baelde. Survived by his sister-in-laws Cor and Janna in the Netherlands, Hennie and brother-in-law Bert and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in the spring. Donations in memory can be made to the charity of your choosing. Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonfuneralhome.ca
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Walter was born in Gorinchem, Netherlands on April 19, 1932 to parents Pieter and Flora Baelde. He was the youngest of six siblings with one sister and four brothers.
In 1950, he emigrated at the early age of 17 on the SS Volendam to Halifax. He took the train to Dalkeith, Ontario to work on a farm for a year. He then moved in with his brother Meyer and his wife in Williamstown where he worked on another farm for two years. Hay allergies made him turn to a different line of work. He found work at the construction site of the Hotel Dieu and the St. Lawrence College in Cornwall until he became a surveyor for 42 years.
Dad was introduced to mom sometime in 1952 at the Christian Reformed Church. They were married the following year on November 29, 1953 and celebrated 68 years this past November. They had four loving children Margaret, Ron, Brenda, Nancy and were blessed with 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
A faithful Christian, a quiet, gentle man, he had the gift of not prejudging but always ready to listen. Although he worked hard to provide for his wife and children, he made sure to take the time to enjoy it too. Dad loved gardening and willingly shared his bounty with everyone! He also enjoyed travelling and after taking lessons at the Knights of Columbus, dancing with the love of his life, Gerie. Over the years, he loved wood working, camping, biking, cross country skiing and bowling. He made friends easily wherever he went and has left a legacy of love, faith and caring.
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He Is Gone
You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
– David Harkins
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Wouter Baelde Wednesday February 9th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Cornwall, Province: Ontario
I knew Wouter for many years when he worked as a draftsman for Stidwill Surveyors. I was always impressed with Wouters kindness and gentle ways. He always radiated peace and calm. Such a nice man.