Ralph DeJong
Ralph DeJong of Williamsburg died peacefully at the Dundas Manor nursing home in Winchester on July 16, 2003. He was 87.
He was the best friend and loving husband of Antje (nee Jongsma) for over 63 years. They were married in Oudega, Friesland on May 26, 1940.
He was born in the Netherlands on Dec. 27, 1915, to the late William DeJong and Antje (need VanderWert).
He was raised in Friesland, the Netherlands. He immigrated to Cornwall in 1948, where he operated a farm for three years before moving to a farm at Aultsville in 1951. He farmed in Aultsville for six years and then in 1957 he purchased the farm at RR#3 Williamsburg which is now operated by his son Bill.
He was dear father of Japke (Ralph) Tibben of Brinston, Anne (Dean) Keyes of South Mountain, and Bill (Tina) of Williamsburg. He is survived by brother Abram (Gertrude) of Inkerman. He was brother-in-law of Maaike DeJong of Chesterville and Wietske DeJong of Holland.
He was predeceased by siblings Hinke Stel, Hiltje VanderHeide, Jitske DeJong, Sybren, Piebe, Fokke, Bindert, Stuart and Kornelis.
He was proud grandfather of Andy, Michael (Stephanie) and Mark Tibben; Kurtis, Ryan and Kristen Keyes; Jodi (Bob) Fetterly; Billy DeJong; and great-grandfather of Austin, Kassondra, Megan and Owen. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He will be fondly remembered for his great sense of humor, his love of nature, his straight-forward manner, and his creative talents and abilities. He had a deep faith and he believed that his purpose on earth was to serve God. He was one of the founding members of the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church and Timothy Christian School.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg on July 18. The funeral took place at the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church on July 19 with Rev. George Rowaan officiating. Interment was at the New Union Cemetery in Williamsburg.
Pallbearers were grandsons Andy Tibben, Michael Tibben, Mark Tibben, Kurtis Keyes, Ryan Keyes and Billy DeJong. Honorary pallbearers were Ted Fisher, Dick Verbaan, Bill DeJong, Piebe DeJong and John DeJong.