Adrie DELAAT

DeLAAT, Adrie, - February 2, 1943 - July 15, 2003. It is difficult to put into words the pain that affects our family and friends as we announce the sudden passing of Adrie. He not only touched the hearts of those who loved him, but influenced the l ives of so many. Together with his loving wife Ruth (nee Bennett) of twenty-eight years, he raised three children of whom he was so proud, and opened his home to numerous visiting Rotary Exchange students and children from across the globe each year. Adrie was a valued participant in the Lincoln Rotary Club and was a devoted church member and active in the parish. Adrie and Ruth's enduring love for each other was inspirational and his faith, love and support will sustain his children, Shawn, Sha nnon and Kimberly. The son of Marie de Laat (nee Van Helvert) and the late Hendrik de Laat (1978) of Grimsby, Adrie was born in Dinther, the Netherlands before he, his parents and nine brothers and sisters set off for Canada. As family was always the largest priority in Adrie's life, he was always so grateful for his brothers and sisters, Betsy and Albert Muileboom of Niagara Falls, John and Vera de Laat of Jordan, Frances and Gerry Hendriks of Vineland, Albert and Claudia de Laat of Seeley's Ba y, Nellie and Brooke Leightizer of Iroquois, Bill deLaat of Washington, brother and sister-in-law Joe and Eleonore Huibers of Jordan and sister-in-law Pam de Laat of Grimsby. The de Laat family is still grieving the recent passing of Adrie's two brot hers Harry (1941-2002) and Frank (1946-2002). Sister Joanne Huibers passed away in 1987 and brother-in-law Henry Lamers (1988). His many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, co-workers, committee members, neighbours and friends will sadly mi ss Adrie. The family will receive friends at the VINELAND Chapel of the TALLMAN FUNERAL HOMES, 3277 King St., Vineland on Thursday 7-8:30 and Friday 2-4 and 7-8:30. Vigil will be celebrated on Friday at 8:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church 135 Livingston Ave., Grimsby on Saturday July 19 at 11:00 a.m. Rite of Committal to follow in Mount Osborne Cemetery, Beamsville. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lincoln Rotary Club or a charity of choi ce would be appreciated by the family. 7/18/2003- ID2250683 - St. Catharines Standard