John Hidde Henri De Vries

de VRIES – John Hidde Henri On November 7th, 2008, very suddenly and to our deepest sorrow, John Hidde Henri de Vries passed away. He left us at a place he loved, his boat. He leaves behind Sandie Wright his partner of 22 years – whose heart he has forever, his former wife and good friend of 59 years Fiesta, who is the mother of his children Marrie (Tristan) Jorian (Marnie) and Karli (Rick); and step-daughter Tammy-Dawn (Tammy). Grandchildren on John’s side are Lauren and Jack. Grandchildren on Sandie’s side are Jackie, Heidi, Katara and Dustin including great-grandchildren Davies and Keegan. John was born October 10th, 1931 in the former Dutch East Indies. He survived the brutal regime of the Japanese internment camps during WWII and resettled in the Netherlands where he graduated from Nijenrode, a Dutch business institute. After serving briefly in the Dutch Army, he and Fiesta immigrated to Canada and settled in Vancouver. He became very successful in real estate, and was president of Hemlock Realty. Never fully retiring, he was always on the hunt for a new deal right up to his last days. He loved animals and he rescued dogs, cats, horses, chickens, seal pups, birds, and donkeys from dire situations and unlikely places. His last visit to a petting zoo in the Netherlands with his daughter Marrie this past September is one of her favorite memories of her dear Dad. His hobbies were grass-hockey, boating, flying, traveling and reading. He also always had time to gab with his friends over countless cups of coffee. He loved life, lived every moment to the fullest, fueled by endless energy, curiosity, and a quest for knowledge. A Celebration of Life will be held instead of a church service and the family gratefully requests no flowers. In lieu of such, please donate to the BC Cancer Agency and/or the BC SPCA.

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