Obituary of Hans Vermeeren

February 6, 1934 – March 01, 2020

Hans passed away at the Strathmore Hospital on March 1, 2020 with his family by his side.  He is survived by his children Marijke Barnson, and Maarten (Shanna) Vermmeren; and his grandchildren Bradley (Beth), Erica, Julia and Halle, and extended family Jim, Dianne and Kennedy Novak.  He was predeceased by his wife Henriette (Hetty) Vermeeren; his parents Henri and Catharina Vermeeren, his sister Ineke Reinhard (Frans) and his son Huibrecht Jan (Herb) Vermeeren. 
Hans studied Agronomy with a major in Tropical Agriculture.  This led to working and living in several countries around the world including Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Iraq and the Netherlands prior to settling in Strathmore in 1980. Hans and Hetty moved to Creston, British Columbia to retire on a saskatoon hobby farm in 1997, and moved back to Strathmore in 2013 to be closer to family.  Hans loved to farm, propagate African violets and spend time with his beloved African Grey parrot, Coco.  Hans will be dearly missed.  The family would like to thank Dr. Piesas, Dr. O’Brien, all the nurses at the Strathmore Hospital and Sagewood, home care nurses, and Irene. At Hans’ request, a private family graveside service will be held to celebrate his life.  Hans was passionate about donating to leprosy throughout his life after seeing the effects of this disease in Africa.  Another cause near to his heart is to see a hospice in the county. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to either The Leprosy Mission Canada (200-90 Allstate Parkway, Markham, Ontario L3R 6H3 or www.effecthope.org) or to the Wheatland & Area Hospice Society (Box 2154 Strathmore, AB. T1P 1K2 or www.wheatlandhospice.ca/donate).