Lawrence Ketelaars

With profound sadness, our family announces the passing of Larry Ketelaars peacefully at LHSC University Hospital surrounded by loved ones in his 81st year on April 17^th, 2026. Devoted husband and life partner to his dear love Joan Brania. A caring and compassionate father to Annette, Jackie, Jason, Drew (Tricia), and Garth (Elisha). Predeceased by Johanna and Josephine, brothers Henk, Robert and sister Nellie (Fred DeGroot Boersma). He will be dearly missed by his siblings John (Catherine), Hennie VanKessel (Karl), Ian (Bernardine), Josepha Ascroft-Leigh (Bill deceased), Englina, Maria Grant (Keith), and by his many nieces and nephews.

Larry was a caring husband, father and grandfather of eight, taking pride in watching his family grow and succeed. He was born in the Netherlands in 1945 during the VE celebrations marking the end of the war in Europe; setting the stage for a vivacious full life.  Larry journeyed through several careers which included the theater, career placement services, insurance brokerage owner and entrepreneur.  In retirement, he enjoyed travelling, particularly to warmer climates and has loved his many adventures with Joan around the world.  He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed dancing, card nights, social events, being surrounded by laughter, family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Northview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London, between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m., with remembrances of Larry to be shared at 6:00 p.m. Interment of cremated remains to be held at a later date.

Donations in memory of Larry can be made to the CNIB Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.