Obituary for Leonard "Len" Vanderhooft
Leonard (Len) Vanderhooft
July 14, 1943 – November 26, 2022
On November 26th, Len was called to his heavenly home. He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Carol (Veninga) Vanderhooft. He is also survived by their children Bev (Brian), Rob (Lois), Karen (Al), Sharon (Ray) and Jason (Alex), and a wealth of grandchildren, Leanne (Jon), Kevin (Kelsie), Andrea (Graeme), Melanie (Kobie), Michael (Briana), Jacob (Hannah), Andrew (Molly), Rachel, Jennifer (Chase), Sarah (Matt), Josh (Amanda), Megan (Alex), Cameron, Madison (Christian), Lily, Kate and great-grandchildren Lyla, Otto, Ivy, Cassen, Cruz, Theo, Indie, Ellie, Rosie and Cooper.
Join us in celebrating Len’s life at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 653 Knowles Ave., Winnipeg, Mb. on Saturday December 3rd at 7:00 p.m. A private family interment will take place earlier in the day.
As a baker, he woke at 4:00, went to work, made fresh bread and treats for the customers of Cottage Bakery and came home for naps before heading back to the shop to close up. A difficult schedule, but a career that helped him and his wife Carol raise five children. Although most of his family remember the days spent helping out at the bakery or visiting with fondness, he was happiest in summer during vacations and after retiring.
In the summers, Len closed up shop for a few weeks and took his family on multiple camping trips to California, the Black Hills, and across Canada, but mostly to Rushing River. It was on these trips where he really showed his true passion and Dutch heritage – Adventure!
Since retirement, Len was fortunate to travel all over the world with Carol and other family members. He stepped foot in South America, Europe, Africa and most frequently, Hawaii. His favourite conversations were of travel plans or reminiscing about the trips he had taken.
A source of pride was his travel on Serve missions to help build housing and support struggling communities. One story he was particularly proud to share was helping a young girl with a wounded foot in South America. He helped find a doctor, pay for medical care and bought her a proper pair of shoes. Without his help, he was told she would have lost her foot to infection.
Often surrounded by family, and always his sweetheart for more than 60 years, he found quiet contemplation, cat napping and sitting in his chair with a good book and a glass of red wine among his favourite pastimes. Being a kind, present, fun and silly grandpa are also the traits his grandchildren will remember most. The singsong sound of him saying “Heh-Heh”, “Ya!” or “Vell” will ring in our ears for years to come and the memory of him waiting for Grandma to finish saying her goodbyes.
Family and friends have shared how welcoming Len and Carol have been and often admired their close knit family. They have always known that love is like a candle; the more you share, the more light shines forth.
Well dad, our candles are shining bright thanks to you and because of you. We are lighting up the path as you set out on your final adventure. Know that we will take care of your beautiful bride and each other.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank can be made in Len’s honour.
July 14, 1943 – November 26, 2022
On November 26th, Len was called to his heavenly home. He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Carol (Veninga) Vanderhooft. He is also survived by their children Bev (Brian), Rob (Lois), Karen (Al), Sharon (Ray) and Jason (Alex), and a wealth of grandchildren, Leanne (Jon), Kevin (Kelsie), Andrea (Graeme), Melanie (Kobie), Michael (Briana), Jacob (Hannah), Andrew (Molly), Rachel, Jennifer (Chase), Sarah (Matt), Josh (Amanda), Megan (Alex), Cameron, Madison (Christian), Lily, Kate and great-grandchildren Lyla, Otto, Ivy, Cassen, Cruz, Theo, Indie, Ellie, Rosie and Cooper.
Join us in celebrating Len’s life at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 653 Knowles Ave., Winnipeg, Mb. on Saturday December 3rd at 7:00 p.m. A private family interment will take place earlier in the day.
As a baker, he woke at 4:00, went to work, made fresh bread and treats for the customers of Cottage Bakery and came home for naps before heading back to the shop to close up. A difficult schedule, but a career that helped him and his wife Carol raise five children. Although most of his family remember the days spent helping out at the bakery or visiting with fondness, he was happiest in summer during vacations and after retiring.
In the summers, Len closed up shop for a few weeks and took his family on multiple camping trips to California, the Black Hills, and across Canada, but mostly to Rushing River. It was on these trips where he really showed his true passion and Dutch heritage – Adventure!
Since retirement, Len was fortunate to travel all over the world with Carol and other family members. He stepped foot in South America, Europe, Africa and most frequently, Hawaii. His favourite conversations were of travel plans or reminiscing about the trips he had taken.
A source of pride was his travel on Serve missions to help build housing and support struggling communities. One story he was particularly proud to share was helping a young girl with a wounded foot in South America. He helped find a doctor, pay for medical care and bought her a proper pair of shoes. Without his help, he was told she would have lost her foot to infection.
Often surrounded by family, and always his sweetheart for more than 60 years, he found quiet contemplation, cat napping and sitting in his chair with a good book and a glass of red wine among his favourite pastimes. Being a kind, present, fun and silly grandpa are also the traits his grandchildren will remember most. The singsong sound of him saying “Heh-Heh”, “Ya!” or “Vell” will ring in our ears for years to come and the memory of him waiting for Grandma to finish saying her goodbyes.
Family and friends have shared how welcoming Len and Carol have been and often admired their close knit family. They have always known that love is like a candle; the more you share, the more light shines forth.
Well dad, our candles are shining bright thanks to you and because of you. We are lighting up the path as you set out on your final adventure. Know that we will take care of your beautiful bride and each other.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank can be made in Len’s honour.