Obituary of Walter vanTol

vanTol: Wout (Walter)

Passed away peacefully at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, with family by his side at the age of 85 on Wednesday April 28, 2021. Beloved husband of Linda (Smith) for 62 wonderful years.  Loving father of William vanTol, of Langley B.C.,  Lorraine Pecoskie (Albert) of Pembroke, Martin vanTol (Danielle Gray) of Bellville and Corinne vanTol of Peterborough. Proud grandfather of Vicki Pecoskie-Miles, Drew vanTol, Heather Kilius, Jennifer Wannamaker, Nicholas vanTol, Laura Pecoskie, Melinda Deighton, Kyle vanTol, Melanie Deighton, Corina Anderson, Emma vanTol & Sara vanTol.  He also had 14 great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Martin and sister Riet of Peterborough, and brother Jan and sister Joke Van Lammeren in the Netherlands.  Predeceased by son Walter, parents  Wim & Theadora vanTol (Brand), brothers Anton & Bertus, sisters Coby van Schie, Annie Epskamp, Thea Hendricks, Corrie Angevaare, &  Nellie vanTol. He is remembered as a Brick & Block mason; he bricked many homes, and built beautiful stone fireplaces in the Peterborough and Kawartha area. He enjoyed woodworking, stamp collecting, gardening and music. He grew beautiful orchids.  He belonged to the Activity Haven “ForFun” Orchestra and Chorus. His Excellency the Most Reverend Bishop Miehm conferred the papal award, Bene-Merenti Medal upon Wout. The medal is an honour awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church. Wout received the medal for 60 years in the church choir at Immaculate Conception Church.  Wout and his brother Martin built the Immaculate Conception Grotto at the front of the church.  He spent years racing pigeons under Creekview Loft, and won many races in the Eastern Ontario Combine. He will be dearly missed by fellow racers Larry Wakelin, Paul Conway and many others. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at the P.R.H.C. for their patience and kindness while caring for Wout. 

A private Mass of Christian Burial has been held at Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Peterborough.  Burial followed at St. Peter’s R.C. Cemetery. A Celebration of Wout’s Life will take place at a future date when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society, Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family and may be made by contacting THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, LAKEFIELD CHAPEL, 66 Queen Street, Lakefield, www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355.