George Vermeersch
VERMEERSCH, George Lucien (March 15, 1942 – September 4, 2024)
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of George Vermeersch, announce his peaceful passing on September 4, 2024, at the age of 82. George, a beloved husband, father, and dedicated farmer, passed away at Woodstock General Hospital with family by his side. George was born in Belgium, immigrating to Canada as a child, and went on to live a life of hard work, love, and deep connection to the land. He devoted his life to cash crop farming, nurturing the soil and providing for his family with pride and diligence. George’s passion for farming began in Norwich, where he worked alongside his father and brothers. After relocating his family to Tillsonburg in 1983, he worked alongside his much-loved wife, Willy, who shared his passion for the land and the simple joys of farm life. Together, they built a home and a legacy that will continue to thrive for generations. Beyond farming, George had an adventurous spirit, with a passion for traveling the world and took great pride in earning his private pilot’s license.
Always a caring husband to his wife Wilhelmina “Willy” (Van Roestel) Vermeersch, with whom he shared 56 wonderful years. Together they created a beautiful family and are survived by their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Greg (Rebecca) of Courtland, with children Colin (Samantha), Andrea (Tanner), Taylor, and Tristan; Pam (Kevin), of Ancaster; Jeff (Ann), of Tillsonburg with children Abbie, Aric, and Evelyn; Barbara (Christoph Teschers), of Christchurch, New Zealand, with children Niklas and Daniella. Always a much-loved great-grandfather to Blakely, Beckett, and Reid. George is survived by his siblings Georgette Garren, John Vermeersch, Dan (Diane) Vermeersch, Jenny (Pete) Bouw, and Noel Vermeersch, as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Rachel (Morreel) and Gaston Vermeersch, by a preterm baby son, and by his siblings: Lea (late Joel) Beelprez, Clara (late Urbain) Dehens, and Joel (late Jeannine) Vermeersch.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Doctors, Nurses, PSWs, and staff at Caressant Care, Courtland, for their compassionate care of George over the past 18 months.
Friends, neighbours, and relatives are invited to public visitation on Monday, September 9th, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Tuesday, September 10th, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes Chapel, 262 Broadway, Tillsonburg. The Funeral Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, officiated by Rev. Fr. Seejo John of St. Mary’s R.C. Church.
Cremation will follow, with inurnment at a later date in Tillsonburg Cemetery. After the funeral, all attendees are invited to join the family at the Royal Canadian Legion, 16 Durham St., Tillsonburg, to share memories and refreshments with the Vermeersch family.
Everyone who knew George is invited to express personal condolences, share favourite memories and photos, send flowers or contribute memorial donations to Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario or to the Canadian Cancer Society via his online tribute page at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com or by contacting the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc. (519) 842-4238, entrusted with all funeral arrangements, with confidence.