Thys Jelle Dejong

November 20, 1936 - June 17, 2023

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The family of Thys Dejong of Chatsworth sadly announce his passing on Saturday June 17, 2023 at Lee Manor in Owen Sound, at the age of 86. Dear husband of 61 years to Jean Katherine Dejong (nee Gamble) Loving father of Julie Ruhl (Shawn) of Bracebridge, Jerry Dejong (Tracey) of Desboro, and Trudy Waugh (Jeff) of Chatsworth. Proud grandfather of David, Michael (Kait), and Adam Ruhl, Brodie, Brandon (Jenn), and Mitchell (Jess) Dejong, and Luke (Olivia Henderson) and Abby Waugh (Brodie Donnelly). Great-grandpa of five. Brother of Paul (Helen), Age (Lori), Pieter (Anna), and Norman Dejong (Susan). Brother-in-law of Keith and Louise Gamble, and Mary Anderson (Ken). Godfather to Heather Cavill. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Jelle and Aukje Dejong (nee Derikson), sister Alieda Harvey (Leonard), and in-laws Linda, Glen (Cora), and David Gamble.

Thys was born in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands in 1936. He, with his family, came to Canada in 1950, settling on an 80 acre farm near Berkeley. Almost immediately he began working diligently, earning his ‘journeyman’s mechanics license’ starting as a mechanic in Walkerton, before returning to Ivan Carmichael's garage in Chatsworth. and becoming a competent contractor of road construction. He truly enjoyed his life! He met his best friend, Jean Gamble, and married her in 1962. That same year he gained his Canadian citizenship. They lived in the village and Jean worked at the Bank of Montreal while Thys grew his construction business. Children Julie, Jerry and Trudy filled their lives with joy. Life moved on, and soon there were eight grandchildren, and even five great grandchildren. Countless friends and neighbours found an open door, a cheerful greeting, a place at the table. Thys was very fun-loving and liked a good party, BBQ's, old country music, and restoring cars and tractors. He also enjoyed camping, sailing on Georgian Bay, and blowing snow throughout the village and Holland Township. Thys’ last few years of ill health meant that now he had been the receiver of a life time of deeds lived for others. Rest well, Thys, thanks for all you have given to make life good for others.

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Arrangements have been entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. A funeral service will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church, Owen Sound, at 11:00am on Wednesday June 21, with a visitation 1hr prior to the service. Pastor Sid Couperus officiating. Interment to follow at Keward Cemetery, Chatsworth. Friends are invited to a reception afterwards at the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home in Chatsworth. If desired, donations to the Timothy Christian School in Owen Sound, would be appreciated by the family. The family wish to thank the staff at Lee Manor for their outstanding care and compassion. Condolences may be expressed online at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com

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