Leo Van Hezewijk

Passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 2, 2024 at the age of 91. Beloved and devoted husband of Rolande (nee Gagne) for almost 44 years, he will be greatly missed by daughter Angele Henderson (Mike Sandbrook), her children Darrell (Ana) Simmons, Lisa Simmons, Marc Simmons as well as great grandchildren, Kailey, Shai Marie, Emma, and Ryan . He is survived by his sisters Corrie Meulensteen, Ann Winkel, and Mary Hansen. He was predeceased by his brothers Albert, Gerry, Emanuel, John, Frank, Al, and Gabriel and his sister Paula de Graauw. He will be fondly remembered by Rolande’s family and his surviving sisters-in-law: Monique and Lise, Betty, Toni, Cathy, Mary and Patricia, along with his many nieces, nephews and friends.

Born in Mook, the Netherlands in 1933, the sixth of twelve children of Johannes and Johanna (nee Cremers), as a young student he was quickly identified as a promising scholar. A theology major and undergraduate student of political science at the University of Leuven in Belgium, his education inspired a life-long passion for history and its lessons about the human condition. His thirst for knowledge would later take him to the University of Toronto where he would earn his Masters degree in Sociology. His own experience as a child who grew up in war-time Europe made him acutely aware of the inhumanity that can seep into our social, cultural and political landscapes. As a result, Leo spent his entire working life supporting the needs of those marginalized by poverty.

After completing his undergraduate studies, he worked for five years as a missionary in Brazil with the Passionists. After immigrating to Canada in 1972 and reuniting with his family who had moved here in 1956, he soon found a role as income support worker and then employment counsellor for Metropolitan Toronto Social Services. In 1980 he married the love of his life, Rolande, and instantly took on the role of husband, father and grandfather. The newlyweds purchased a house with some acreage in Orono, which allowed Leo to reignite his interest in beekeeping, much to the delight of his beekeeper father! When not tending to the bees or his large garden, Leo spent the next 16 years with the Region of Durham, Social Services Department administering income support programs and supervising a team of workers who found him a knowledgeable colleague, fair decision maker and genuinely kind person.

In retirement, Leo continued to give back to the community by organizing the Newcastle Food Bank, volunteering with the St Vincent de Paul Society – Newcastle/Orono and starting a local chapter of the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association. He and Rolande spent many years tending their garden and bees, and were still able to fit in regular visits to Rolande’s family in Quebec, car trips to many Canadian destinations, as well as cruises and bus trips across the European continent and to various international pilgrimage sites.

Changing health circumstances had them relocating back to Oshawa to be closer to family and friends. They continued to be active, regularly walking around the Oshawa Centre, often hand in hand and then side by side with their walkers, participating in Notre Dame parish activities, and visiting Leo’s family for weekly card games while holding very loud discussions on the political and social issues of the day. They enjoyed more than a decade of gracious retirement living at Traditions of Durham.

Despite the acute and then chronic health conditions that led to their individual hospitalizations over the past 18 months, Leo and Rolande remained devoted to each other. During these separations, Leo was Rolande’s staunchest advocate insisting on her maintaining her mobility and enduring his own complex health challenges with an eye on reuniting with his beloved Rolande.

His family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Extendicare Oshawa who took care of Leo these past few weeks and who continue to nurture and support his wife Rolande.

Visitation will be held on June 6 from 6pm - 8pm at the Oshawa Funeral Home, 847 King St W, Oshawa. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Paroisse Assomption de Notre Dame, 384 Hillside Ave, Oshawa Friday June 7 at 10:00 am. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at the following link: https://ipickart.com/stream/LeovanHezewijk/

Interment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, Whitby. Reception to follow at the Oshawa Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local food bank. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.oshawafuneralhome.com