Jan de Vries

Mr. Jan de Vries of North Head, Grand Manan Island passed away at the Grand Manan Hospital Sunday December 20, 2015.  He was born the son of the late Jan and Jansje (Huisman) de Vries at Heerlen South Limburg, the Netherlands. When he turned nineteen he decided to begin a great adventure and relocate to Canada.  When he was moving east from the western part of Canada Jan met his wife Ineke.  They settled in Ontario where they raised their family together.  One of his passions was to settle on the east coast as part of his life's dream.  Eventually in the 2000's after hobby farming ran it's course in their retirement years Jan convinced Ineke to finish the journey and settle on the east coast.  They found Grand Manan Island where they bought their home and became very welcomed as members of the little fishing community that Jan so much appreciated.    Jan worked as a Chemical Controller for Dupont Canada for many years.  He enjoyed gardening, painting, and singing in the Fisherman Friends Choir.  He also attended and sang with the choir at the Church of the Ascension, North Head.  He is survived by his loving wife Ineke (de Zoeten) de Vries at home.  His three daughters; Anita de Vries Bonneau (Mark), Jennifer de Vries Symons (Michael), and Saskia de Vries (Grant) all of Ontario.  His son Peter de Vries of Alberta. His brother Hendrik de Vries of the Netherlands.  Eleven grandchildren, two nieces and many friends who will miss him dearly.  Besides his parents he was predeceased by one sister Marijke de Vries.

There will be a celebration of Jan’s life at the Church of the Ascension, North Head on Wednesday December 30, 2015 at 11:00 am with  Lay Minister Freda Large officiating.  Donations to the Charlotte County Cancer Society would be appreciated in Jan’s memory.  Funeral arrangements are in the care of Ells Funeral Home Inc., 1199 Route 776, Grand Manan, NB E5G 1G2. Condolences, messages of sympathy also may be sent to www.ells.ca or (506)662-3116.