John passed away peacefully at home after a valiant struggle with compromised lungs. He was born in Alphen aan den Rijn, Holland to Trijntje and Jacob Roodenburg. He is predeceased by both his parents, brother Hendrik (Johanna), brother-in-law Piet Cornet, sister-in-law Els Roodenburg, and niece Barbara Cornet. He is survived by his wife Sandra, daughters Brenda Hesketh (Kyle) and Ineke Burritt (Joseph), and son Dave (Sheryl). Sister Hyke Cornet, brother Theo, and foster sister Annelies Vijver in Holland. Sister-in-law Sharon Bondesen (Jim), brother-in-law Neil Lindsey (Barb). Nieces and nephews from around the world, plus 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
John arrived in Victoria in 1957, at the age of 19 already a qualified electrician, but first he had to learn English. He quickly practiced his trade working for Eddy’s Electric and Glen Valley Electric. He co-founded his own company Wespar Electric until he retired.
John married Sandra in 1965. They had a full and happy life raising their family. In retirement John and Sandra traveled to many interesting places around the world together. They also camped with the Vagabond Trailer Club where he was a “Historian” which brought 30 years of friendship. John also enjoyed meeting with a men’s coffee group with friends at Tim Hortons.
He will be deeply missed by all who loved him, but his memory, love, and community impact will continue on.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Saturday, March 28th at 2:00pm.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Roodenburg” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Lois and Ken Lockley
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Julie Barr Sending healing and light to the family, and friends of the family.
Old neighbor from Raymond Street North,
Julie Barr (Praisley)
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Gail Tucker So sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. Condolences to all , Sandy, Brenda Ineke, grandkids and great grands.
When I came back to Canada and Victoria in 1968 as an 18yr old all on her own , I was so lucky to find a place to board at the Roodenburg’s , just one street over from where I had lived as I grew up. Jan , Sandy and Brenda welcomed me and treated me as family. I remember Jan driving us all to a New Years Eve party with his huge Dutch ‘family’ some where in a big old house in Esquimalt in his work van , sitting in our party finery (Brenda in PJ’s) on large rolls of electric wire. There had been the great 1968 Boxing Day snowfall and streets were horrible until well into January. We got home around 6 am and I got a call around 9 am informing me of my father’s passing in Jamaica . Jan and Sandy were a great support in the months that followed until my Mom and brother moved back to Canada.
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Patrick Wolfe My condolences to Sandra, Brenda, Ineke, and Dave, and to the rest of the family. I had the privilege of visiting John and Sandra in their home in 2022, I believe. It doesn’t seem that long ago.
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Martine Cornet We will miss “Oom Jan”, and in the same time we are happy that we have spend precious time together. In september 2023 John and Sandra visited the Netherlands for the last time, and for 10 days, I was their host. We visited the houses in Haarlem where John has lived, and they met other family and friends. He was always full of stories and memories.
His beautiful and rich life has come to an end. We wish you all strength and a lot of beautiful memories.
Love, Martine, Jim and Ambia, Carlo and Lotte x
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Sharon Donohoe & Diarmuid O'Brien Sending our condolences to you and yours Brenda. Sharon and Diarmuid.
Dear Sandra
So sorry for your loss.
A lot has transpired since Oak Bay High…….
Condolences to you and your family.
Lois (Huddlestone) and Ken Lockley