JOHN KEMPERS

December 19, 2015

John Kempers died peacefully at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Kincardine, Saturday, Dec.19, 2015, in his 78th year. Beloved husband of Norma Kempers (née Shaw). Loving father of Les Kempers (Trudy Stanley-Kempers), Blair Kempers (Heather), Roger Kempers (Maeve O’Connell) and Linda Kempers. Dear Opa of Hillary, Charlie and Niamh Kempers. Survived by his siblings: Suze Samsom (Piet), Dien Janmaat (Louis), Louis Kempers (Cobie), and Joop Kempers (Nel), all of the Netherlands, and Catherine Verlaan (Gerald) Phelpston of Ontario. Predeceased by his parents, Leander and Wilhelmina (Zijerveld) Kempers, and brother, Piet Kempers (Rie). John immigrated to Canada in 1964 after serving with the Dutch Air Force for two years at a NATO Base in Germany. He worked in Stayner and Elmvale until 1970 when he began raising and milking Holsteins at Lot 10, Con. 10 of Bruce Township. His fondness for animals extended to those that shared his fields and woodlots. He enjoyed woodworking and made many pieces of furniture for himself and others. Sailboarding and gardening were other interests. Visiting with friends was special for him and he was delighted in the company of youngsters. He served his Lord faithfully in many ways at Kincardine Baptist Church and, for several years, was a volunteer driver for both Women's Houses and the CAS. We will miss his quiet sense of humour and the one-liners that could prompt instant hilarity. John will be rejoicing in the presence of Jesus and that his lively spirit is beyond the limitations of his body. We will cherish our memories of him!! Inurnment will take place at Port Bruce Cemetery. Friday, April 15, 2016, at 11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at the Kincardine Baptist Church (559 Queen Street), Kincardine, at 1 p.m., with Pastor Kenneth Craig officiating. Memorial donations to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario or the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.