Obituary for Frank Ruigrok
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Frank Ruigrok
May 14, 1927 - February 10, 2022
On February 10, 2022, Frank Ruigrok, 94, passed away to join the love of his life in heaven. He was true to his motto “We always stick together”.
Frank is survived by his five children, Charles (Jacquie) of Calgary, Patricia VanSchie (Albert) of Metcalfe, Nancy Jowett (Ken) of Brockville, Linda Wongkee (Alan) of St. Lazare, QC and Maria of Kitchener. He also leaves 14 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, as well as, a brother, John (Cok) and two sisters, Gre Schurmans (Andre dec’d) and Joke Kouwenhowen (Peter dec’d) from Holland and a sister-in-law, Annie (John dec’d) from Brockville. Extended family and many nieces and nephews remain in Holland, USA and Canada, as well.
Frank was born in Pijnacker, Holland, on May 14, 1927. He immigrated to Canada in the early 50’s and began writing love letters overseas to Gert Overes, until she joined him to be his wife in 1955. They remained devoted to each other for over 66 years. They raised their family on the farm in North Augusta and retired in Algonquin. Frank was always an active member of St. Theresa’s Church in North Augusta and worked most of his career at DuPont, in Maitland.
Frank loved to putter on his hobby farm, being sustainable long before it was trendy. He was a cheerful, hard worker and always found ways to be helpful. He’d be the one who ran ahead to open a door for you, or retrieve something you dropped. Frank was a man of few words, he preferred to do the listening - a perfect match for Gert.
And, they really were soul mates, him passing away three days after her.
The family extends the most sincere gratitude to the Royal Brock Retirement Living. For four years, Frank and Gert felt like the staff was their extended family. Your kindness and warmth will always be appreciated.
We also want to thank the Brockville General Hospital for their wonderful care and support.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held for both Frank and Gert Ruigrok at a later date when we can have a big gathering, as they would have wanted.
Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Frank Ruigrok
May 14, 1927 - February 10, 2022
On February 10, 2022, Frank Ruigrok, 94, passed away to join the love of his life in heaven. He was true to his motto “We always stick together”.
Frank is survived by his five children, Charles (Jacquie) of Calgary, Patricia VanSchie (Albert) of Metcalfe, Nancy Jowett (Ken) of Brockville, Linda Wongkee (Alan) of St. Lazare, QC and Maria of Kitchener. He also leaves 14 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, as well as, a brother, John (Cok) and two sisters, Gre Schurmans (Andre dec’d) and Joke Kouwenhowen (Peter dec’d) from Holland and a sister-in-law, Annie (John dec’d) from Brockville. Extended family and many nieces and nephews remain in Holland, USA and Canada, as well.
Frank was born in Pijnacker, Holland, on May 14, 1927. He immigrated to Canada in the early 50’s and began writing love letters overseas to Gert Overes, until she joined him to be his wife in 1955. They remained devoted to each other for over 66 years. They raised their family on the farm in North Augusta and retired in Algonquin. Frank was always an active member of St. Theresa’s Church in North Augusta and worked most of his career at DuPont, in Maitland.
Frank loved to putter on his hobby farm, being sustainable long before it was trendy. He was a cheerful, hard worker and always found ways to be helpful. He’d be the one who ran ahead to open a door for you, or retrieve something you dropped. Frank was a man of few words, he preferred to do the listening - a perfect match for Gert.
And, they really were soul mates, him passing away three days after her.
The family extends the most sincere gratitude to the Royal Brock Retirement Living. For four years, Frank and Gert felt like the staff was their extended family. Your kindness and warmth will always be appreciated.
We also want to thank the Brockville General Hospital for their wonderful care and support.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held for both Frank and Gert Ruigrok at a later date when we can have a big gathering, as they would have wanted.
Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.