Justin Andrew Bongers
July 27, 1973 - September 2, 2020
At St. Joseph’s Hospice on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, Justin Andrew Bongers of London, passed away at the age of 47. Beloved husband of Heidi Fretz. Loving dad of Casey and Andie. Cherished son of Andy Bongers and Pauline Vanderwal. Much loved brother of Tia Bongers. Treasured son-in-law of Fred and Wendy Fretz, Margo and Patrick Trotter. Loved brother-in-law of Erin Ackles-Pennington, Richard Pennington, and Andrew Ackles. Dear uncle of Sydney and Anderson Ackles, and Charlotte, Aidan and Will Pennington. Justin is survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Justin lost his bravely fought battle with pancreatic cancer during an epic summer thunderstorm, with Heidi by his side. Justin was a teacher at Masonville Public School, and had previously taught at Northridge, Glen Cairn and Southwold Public Schools. He was known to all staff and students as a passionate teacher who cared deeply about teaching and his students. Mr. Bongers strived to push students to achieve their best and encouraged them in the classroom, as a coach, and as a committed supporter of the Terry Fox Campaign. Justin was an avid sports lover and athlete, sharing his passion for sport through his time as soccer coach with the Alliance Football Club, and as hockey coach with the North London Nationals. In everything Justin did he was known for his enthusiasm and willingness to help his family, colleagues, students, athletes and community. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Justin are asked to consider the Terry Fox Foundation
https://secure.terryfox.ca/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?Referrer=%26Referrer%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fterryfox.org%252f&RegistrationID=4716526#&panel1-1.
Justin’s family shares our deepest thanks with his wonderful care team – Dr. David Dixon, Dr. Sara Colozza, the nurses and staff of the Oncology department at LHSC, the Southwest LHIN, and all of the amazingly caring staff and volunteers at St. Joseph’s Hospice, who made his last days peaceful and dignified. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at NORTHVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATION CENTRE, 1490 Highbury Avenue North (at Kilally), where a celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. Registration is required to attend. Please click the RSVP link to the left of the obituary. The celebration of life will be streamed online for those not able to attend in person.
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I wish he was still here
My deepest condolences to Heidi, Casey and Andie, and the Bongers and Fretz families, on your immeasurable loss. Justin was an exceptional person, a kind and generous spirit, and I feel privileged to have had his friendship, even for a brief time. His creativity, intelligence and humour were cornerstones of his essence, and knowing that he taught so many young people should reassure us all a little bit about the future of our world. Rest well, my friend.
Dear Heidi May good memories together help support you and your family at this difficult time. Holly
I was so fortunate to have worked with Justin at Masonville. My thoughts are with you.
Hello Heidi, We're sorry to learn of Justin's death & are thinking of you. Gerry and Anne Baverstock
Sincere sympathy. Justin played a large role in my daughter's life. Amy and Ryann Orr
Andy, Pauline, Tia and family. So heartbroken for you. Sending our love.
Dear Heidi,Casey&Andie Our Mishriky hearts are heavy as we remember Justin at work&at play.
When I was in grade 6 there wasn’t a junior basketball team but Mr. Bongers let me practice with the grade 7-8 team because my older sister Jaylan was on it. Mr. Bongers even let me sit on the bench during the games and keep stats. It was the highlight of my year. I enjoyed it so much I tried out for the Ramblers competitive basketball team and I made it because of Mr. Bongers. I will miss seeing him every day in grade 8. He will be missed dearly. Teegan Garrett
Such a wonderful coach to our son Patrick and countless other boys who played Alliance soccer and London Nationals hockey. Sending prayers to his family and friends. Christine, Chuck and Patrick McMahon
We are so sad to hear of Justin’s passing. Justin was a great teacher and coach we have been so blessed to have him in our lives. Thank you Justin for coaching Brayden in high jump, you made him the jumper he is today. Losing you is a great loss to our community and the world. We are holding Heidi, Casey and Andie close to our hearts as they process and go through this difficult time. We are all better from knowing you.
Ms Fretz, Casey and Andie We were shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Mr Bongers. He was a great teacher and coach. We are thinking of you all in this time of sorrow. Rhonda, Angelo, Cass, Chris and Charissa Plagos
I was so saddened to hear of Justin’s passing. My son Alex shared that he was his favourite teacher at Northridge public school.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Justin sounded like a wonderful human being!!
So sorry to hear of Justin’s passing, he was a wonderful teacher and role model for all. He touched both our children’s lives and will be remembered for his ever positive, happy, energetic personality. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Love Jen, Brian, Evan and Kate McKinstry XO
We were saddened to hear of Justin’s passing. The family must be heartbroken! Our sincere condolences to Andy, Pauline and Tia, to Justin’s wife and children, and to the entire Bongers / Bacon family! Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Bill and Tracey Somerville
Mr. Bongers brought a lot of passion and energy to Masonville Public School. He was an amazing teacher and coach. He worked tirelessly to help our teams improve and was a good friend. He made me a more confident player. I will always remember our fun at practices and games. He was kind and helped me get volunteer hours coaching soccer with him last summer. My condolences to the Fretz and Bongers family. Jaylan Garrett
Very sad and shocked to hear of Justin's passing. Our deepest sympathies and condolences to Heidi and the family.
Mr. Bongers was a great encouragement to our daughter as a volleyball coach at Northridge PS and as her French teacher. She still will eat no more than half an avocado at a time because of his 'snack critiques'. He was one of Alannah's favourite teacher's. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Sheila, Graham and Alannah Hunt.
Justin was a passionate, caring and amazing educator and friend to the entire Masonville Public School community. His glass half full outlook on life and enthusiastic approach to everything that he tackled was admired and inspirational to us all. He will be greatly missed by our students, staff and parent community. We are so sorry for your loss. Laura Barr, Principal
I am shocked to read of Justin's passing. Justin supply taught for me at Cartier and when we reconnected last year at Masonville, he reminded me that I had left him lessons in grade 7 & 8 Health (sex ed!) to teach while I was away, We laughed about that. He proceeded to help me with grade 8 phys ed at Masonville as I was now the supply teacher. He was such a lovely human being and dedicated teacher. I send condolences to his family.
Justin had such a positive impact on our two children, whom he taught and coached at Northridge P.S. It seems he has always been part of their lives. As a fellow Habs AND Green Bay Packer fan, our son felt a camaraderie with Justin. Our daughter followed Heidi and Justin’s lead, becoming a super fund raiser for The Terry Fox run. Justin’s positive spirit and attitude will be missed by so many! Thinking of Heidi, Andie and Casey and sending our condolences to all of the family and friends. Sincerely, the Gatt family.
Liam and AJ Davis were very happy to have Mr. Bongers at Masonville PS. He was a great support for both of them and he will be truly missed. Justin was an amazing teacher and person and will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Justin's family and friends at this time. The Davis Family
Today we bring our deepest respects and sincere condolences to Heidi, Casey, Andie and the rest of the family. Justin was not only a remarkable teacher and coach, he was also a true friend and mentor to our kids who attended Northridge PS. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Justin, we will always remember you! The Jacob Family
We'll miss you Mr. Bongers! We loved being in your gym and music classes. Thank you for teaching, coaching, and pushing us to always do our best. Lianna and Aria Kruger
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I want my uncle back
~ Anderson Ackles