Obituary of Marinus Jacobus Kanters

Marinus Jacobus Kanters passed away peacefully on February 18, 2017 at the age of 86 in London, Ontario. Born on June 13, 1930 in Elsendorp, The Netherlands, he was the son of Albertus Adrianus Kanters and Maria Vande Vosenberg. He was predeceased by brothers Harry and Frank, and is survived by Antoon and sister Cobi Kanters DeGroot. He immigrated to Canada in 1954 with his wife of 59 years, Wilhelmina Bouw Kanters (1927-2013), living most of his adult life with her in Strathroy, Ontario. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he is survived by his wife, Diane Fenwick Kanters (Coldstream, Ontario); his children, Albert Adrian Kanters (Cincinnati, Ohio; wife Anne Sisson Runyan), Edward Adrian Kanters (Belle River, Ontario; wife Lynne Bossons Kanters), Michael Anthony Kanters (Apex, North Carolina; wife Colleen Kenny Kanters ), and Betty Anne Kanters Flaherty (Lambeth, Ontario; husband John Flaherty); his step-daughter Kathleen Campbell; his grandchildren Matthew and Amanda Kanters, David Kanters and Erinn Kanters Honeycutt, Sean and Sydney Kanters, and Kelly, Sharon, Christine, and Katherine Flaherty; and his great grandchildren, Emma and Eli Honeycutt. Employed by Cuddy Farms of Strathroy, Ontario for 30 years until his retirement in 1990, he managed one of the first breeder farms and then as sales manager, sold turkeys in Canada, the USA, Europe and the Middle East, helping to grow the company internationally. He loved to travel, regularly visiting family in The Netherlands, cruising the seas, and vacationing in his motor home in Florida and Arizona. His most treasured activities were family gatherings that included all his children and grandchildren in which he instilled the values of ambition, generosity, and compassion. Marinus was a frequent volunteer in Strathroy, serving on the Parish Council of All Saints Catholic Church, as a leader of the Alzheimer’s support group for Strathmere Lodge, and as the manager of the Trillium Village store. He was always there to lend a helping hand to his community, church, neighbours, and family. He could often be found engaging in his woodworking hobby or working in the garden. He shall be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A viewing will be held at DENNING’S OF STRATHROY from 2:00-4:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm on Friday, February 24th. On Saturday, February 25th, A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, Strathroy at 11:00am. A wake celebrating Marinus’ life will also be held at Caradoc Sands Golf Club, 24500 Saxton Rd., Strathroy from 2:30pm until 6:00pm following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Strathmere Lodge Auxiliary or Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation. Share a memory at www.denning.ca