On May 10th 2026, beloved father and husband Adrian Theodoor Van der Vaart passed away peacefully, at AgeCare Brant in Burlington. He was in his 94th year.
Adrian loved his family very much and was a devoted Christian attending New Street Burlington Christian Reformed Church for many years. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of nearly 69 years, Alida Suzanna VanderVaart (nee Van Haarlem) and his children Richard (Carolyn), Walter (Carolyn) and Henrietta (James) and his grandchildren, Adrian, Micah, Elayna, Jacqueline and Charles, Heather, Sarah. He leaves behind his sister Dorothy Plas, who is currently living at Shalom in Grimsby, and was predeceased by his sister Margaretha (Kornelis).
drian loved to listen to classical music and attend classical concerts with Suzanna.
He treasured spending time with family. Helping raise all of his grandchildren by providing care when they were young. He loved spending time with his sisters and their families. He loved spending time with various relatives who often came to Canada from Holland and maintained relationships through letter writing, and more recently through emails.
He enjoyed a good story, especially over a close game of bridge, while playing chess or going for a long walk.
Adrian loved being involved with his church. He was a long time deacon, elder, treasurer and served on many committees. He always felt called to the church to serve and love others, seek justice and be kind and respectful to all.
He felt privileged to work and make deep connections at work spawning deep life long friendships with many colleagues who soon felt like extended family.
He loved being outdoors, going on church picnics, swimming in northern lakes and canoeing with family and friends. He loved fishing in small Ontario lakes, always hoping to catch a big pike or a lively bass.
Most of all, Adrian was known for being kind, loyal, fair and respectful by all his friends and family, all the while wearing a dress shirt, tie, jacket and a stylish hat.
The family would like to thank the staff at Shalom Gardens (Grimsby) for their care and kindness during his time there, and more recently the staff at AgeCare Brant (Burlington), for the last 2 months, for their excellent medical care, kindness and connections in such a short time.
A funeral will be held on Tuesday May 12 2026, at Bay Gardens Funeral Home (1010 Botanical Drive, Burlington, ON., L7T 1V1)
Service (lead by Adrian's son Richard) 11:30am-12:15 am
Luncheon 12:15pm-1:30
Burial after luncheon: Gate of Heaven Cemetery approximately 1:40 pm
Condolences may be made at www.BayGardens.ca
Funeral Details
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Chapel Service
Burlington - Bay Gardens Cremation, Memorial & Funeral Home
1010 Botanical Drive, Burlington, ON, CANADA, L7T 1V1
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Tuesday, 12 May 2026 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Reception
Burlington - Bay Gardens Cremation, Memorial & Funeral Home
1010 Botanical Drive, Burlington, ON, CANADA, L7T 1V1
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Tuesday, 12 May 2026 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Burial
Burlington - Bay Gardens Cremation, Memorial & Funeral Home
1010 Botanical Drive, Burlington, ON, CANADA, L7T 1V1
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