In Memory of

Tony

Ketelaars

Obituary for Tony Ketelaars

Tony Ketelaars, age 73, peacefully entered eternal life from his home in Burlington on March, 13, 2019.

Tony’s memory is carried on by his beloved wife of 50 years, Rita; son Andy (Rebecca); daughters Nancie (Don) and Anita (Jeremy); grandchildren Jacalyn, Jordan, Madison, Paige, Avery and Porter, plus many brothers, sisters, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to list but not forgotten.

Tony was born May 21, 1945 in Holland, one of four brothers and six sisters. It was in Holland, perhaps while doing a handstand on a bicycle, Tony won the admiration of Rita Langens. The home they created for themselves in Canada was always open- where soup was cooking, Dutch pancakes abundant and “Wiff-ee” (Wi-Fi to the rest of us) free to visitors. Anything aviation brought out the best in Tony. If he wasn’t selling it or fixing it, he was flying it! This along with his real passion of sending daily joke emails to family and friends. Tony died knowing that life is what you make of it, and it’s better lived in sunshine while munching on peanuts.

The way Tony took life in stride was admirable. Even cancer didn’t break his spirit as he continued to joke and never complained. He relied on his faith in God and sought to live according to His plan. Tony left this world in peace, knowing that his life was more about his future with God and fellow believers than it was about his past here on earth.

The family will greet friends at SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stoplight north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333) on Sunday, March 17th from 3-5 PM and 7-9 PM. Funeral service will be held in the chapel at Smith’s Funeral Home on Monday, March 18th at 10:30AM with reception to follow. Burial at Burlington Memorial Gardens.

The Ketelaars family would like to extend our gratitude to all those sending love, prayers and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to Young Life (www.younglife.ca) or The Carpenter Hospice (www.thecarpenterhospice.com) would be appreciated. Or use that money to clean your car- Tony would have loved that.