Obituary of Joe Van Kuik

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved husband and father.

Joseph Van Kuik passed away peacefully at Lakeridge Health Oshawa June 22, 2019. Loving husband of 56 years to Marian.  Cherished father of Lorie Russell (Paul) and Wendy Willik (Ari).  Adoring "Opa" to grandogs Cajun and Coconut. Survived by his sister Riet Vandewiel (Harry) and brothers John (Shirley), Nick (Pat), and Casey Van Kuik. He will also sadly be missed by sister-in-law Nancy Steenburg (Brian) and brother-in-law Bob Suszek (Rose) as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Hilsiena and John and brothers Andrew, Gerry, Theo, Henk, William and Ben Van Kuik. Our deepest gratitude to the staff at Club Loreley, the EMS and Emergency teams and the doctors and nurses in Critical Care at Lakeridge Oshawa.

Joe was born May 13, 1942 in Tilburg, Netherlands and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1957.  He met Marian in 1962, they fell in love and married a year later.  He played the accordion and had a passion for music from an early age to the years of the Joey Vann Quartet and recently as Joey Vann and His Magic Accordion.  Joe was a dedicated daily walker and loved all the wonderful dogs he gave cookies to on his route.  He was an avid reader who also enjoyed both watching and playing tennis, Formula 1 (go Lewis Hamilton!) and shucking oysters in Florida.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday July 6^th between 2:00pm and 5:00pm at DeStefano Funeral Home, 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa (south side of Taunton Road, east of Thornton Road by the Oshawa Airport) 905-440-3595. If desired, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.