In Memory of
John Albert Middelkamp
February 7th, 1950 - April 7th, 2020
Place of Death
at his residenceObituary
It is with profound sadness that we, the Middelkamp family, announce the passing of John Middelkamp on April 7, 2020. John, known to so many as Homer, was the beloved husband and pain in the ass to Harlene (Yes Boss!) They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just last summer. A celebration of which the family was thrilled to see so many – from near and far – able to share. John was born in the Netherlands but was a deep-rooted denizen of Bruce County. He raised his family here, as do his children. He was a lifelong farmer at heart. He spent years driving truck through Canada and the United States hauling livestock. He loved working at the golf course throughout the years. Over the last few years his favourite was when his Nephew Dan would pick him up and take him for a run to ship cattle or simply spent time in the fields riding in the tractor with him. This is when they solved the world’s problems. Homer had so many interests, but he had five true loves: Harlene, his family, Reading, Music and Golf. Depending on the day not necessarily in that order! He always had his nose in a book or you would find multiple books around the house that he was reading at the same time. None of the Middelkamps are strangers to song and music, and John was no exception. Up to his final days, John found comfort in the power of music taking solace while listening to his favourites. It was a rare day in the summer if you found Homer somewhere other than the golf course, or cutting lawns on the 25th Sideroad. These were his summer activities after his retirement. Last summer was his best and last rounds of his game. And very fitting that his last round of golf was with his good friend Al Mackay. In his life as in his golf game, he was no hacker. When faced with this round of cancer treatment, for a third time, he met the challenge head on. John was a devoted dad to Shane and his wife Sheona, Crystal and her husband Anibal, Matthew and his wife Loraine and the baby of the family, Jarred. He will also be sadly missed by Gaynor Thompson from Canberra Australia who was like a daughter to him. Homer doted on his grandchildren. Opa is deeply missed by William, Cara, Jack, Maria, Danika, Otto, Vivian, Chelene and Coral. He leaves his cherished brothers and sisters Renske and her husband Edgar Daer of Blyth, Bouwina Pigeon of Matheson, Bob and his wife Ria of Ripley, Kini and her husband John Meyer of Holyrood, Jake and his wife Margo of Saltford, Marian Glen and her partner Greg Nicholson of Inverhuron, Henry and his wife Mary of Ripley, his sister in law Marjorie Middelkamp of Ripley and his brother in law Allan and and his wife Eleanor Rutledge. He will also be missed deeply by many nieces and nephews. Sadly, John was predeceased by his parents, Aaltje and Hendrik, his brother Albert and his sister Gay Rutledge. While our hearts break; we are unable to hold a formal service in honour of John at this time. We ask that everyone take a moment, in their own way, to honour our John. Keep him in your heart always, as will we. When we’re able, we will gather and hug and laugh and cry together to celebrate Homer’s life. A very special thank you to Dr. Blanchette and his team, Dr. Louis and his team, both of London Health Sciences Centre, their exceptional care of John over the last 4 years has been outstanding. A very big hug and kiss to John’s “My Jennifer” who was his primary nurse in London but most of all a friend and confidant when John needed it the most. A special thank you to Dr. Murray our family doctor for his home visits and care during our journey. Thank you also to the VON and the Grey Bruce Palliative Care team. For those who would like to make a donation in John’s memory, we invite you to donate to the London Health Science Centre or your local food bank. Or simply if you know of a family in need at this difficult time in the world we ask that you give to those who need a helping hand. Farewell dear Homer. We’ll see you again when we all meet up at the 19th hole. “Always Kiss me Goodnight”Donations
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