Leo Vandendries Jr.
January 31, 2023
It is with broken hearts, rivers of tears and overwhelming sorrow we announce the passing of Leo Vandendries Jr. Leo passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 due to complications from a major stroke just days after he celebrated his 48th birthday. Leo leaves behind the two girls he loved the most, his beloved wife Danielle and his beautiful daughter Desiree. Being the husband of Danielle and one hell of a dad to Desiree meant the world to Leo.
Left to mourn his loss are many friends and family. Born in Canada with Dutch roots, Leo was the youngest son of Leo & Ria (VanHoof) Vandendries Sr. Brother to Dorothy & Steve, Jack & Ann, Shirley & Pat, Daniel & Sharyl, Anna & Richard. Son-in-law to Ray & Nancy Flannery. Brother-in-law to Lisa & Ian and Ryan & Flora. Leo is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins both here in Canada and in the Netherlands. Uncle to Stephanie & Matt, Jeremy & Janine, Emma-Leigh & Greg, Grayden, Kay & Tim, Victoria, Lacey, Cash, Mary. Goofy Great Uncle to Brynn and Collin. Predeceased by mother-in-law Cathie Beccarea and several aunts and uncles.
Leo enjoyed being raised in the country with his very boisterous, rowdy, and at times, unruly family. The neighbours always knew when his mom and dad were gone off the farm. They could hear those Vandendries kids hollering, yelling, laughing, spraying gravel with their cars. You know, back in the day when kids had good clean fun.
Leo’s life was filled with adventure, antics, hard work, moving dirt and a loud voice. With adventure came fishing, camping, bonfires, trucks and a sweet Harley. Scars and flaws didn’t define Leo. He wasn’t much for school or church but he received an honourary Ph.D. in the school of hard knocks. Never one to beat around the bush, one did not have to guess Leo’s opinion on things, if you were hard of hearing, he’d definitely repeat himself. Leo didn’t let things sit heavy on his chest, he would tell anyone who would listen what he thought especially during his daily Dutch Euchre card games with his Dad. Many friends and even some family members will tell you that knowing Leo was an experience. A full-blown experience!
So, let’s dry our tears and be thankful that we had Leo in our lives for his short ride of life and live with no regrets. Leo only had one regret before he passed, he didn’t want the ride to end so soon.
In keeping with Leo’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Bryanston Community Centre, 15321 Plover Mills Road, Ilderton on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 2 – 6 p.m. Together we can celebrate a life well lived.
The family wishes to thank the many healthcare workers from University Hospital who showed their professionalism and compassion in giving Leo the departure he wanted. Special mention goes to nurses Adam, Vanessa, Julie, Shelia and Ryan who allowed Leo and Leo’s family find comfort while sitting at his bedside.
If desired, please consider making a memorial donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in Leo’s memory.
Ride on Leo, in sweetest peace, Ride On.
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So sorry for your loss. Never easy. Keep the memories.
On behalf of my parents, Ome Piet and tante Mina, I want to convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to Daniella and Desiree, Ome Leen and tante Ria and our overseas cousins. Leo will be missed and lovingly remembered. We remembered him and our Dutch cousin Ilona last sunday at our yearly gathering. I remember visiting him in 2005 when Anna got married and I can still hear his voice ;) But the fondest memory I have of Leo is from 1987, he was 12 and his father had shipped the whole family to the Netherlands to attend my parents' 25th wedding annyversary. Ome Leen(Leo sr.) drove a rental and Leo had managed to lock ik with the keys inside. Jack was teasing him badly: "Dad is gonna kill ya, you're dead meat" and he was pretty scared for dad to find out. He turned to me for help and I enlisted an uncle to try and open the car. When he succeeded, Leo thanked us both a couple of times. As far as I know, dad never found out... RIP Leo, see you in the next life!
Leo had a big presence from the moment he arrived in my Grade 8 class at Prince Andrew Public School. I don’t remember him in school much but between baseball and bush parties I always remembered him. Saw him in December at my father’s funeral. It was great to see him. He will be missed greatly. My condolences to the family.
So sorry to hear of Leo's passing. Sending sincere sympathy as you navigate this difficult journey of grief.
I never met Leo, but I know Shirley and I have a sense of her family background. She comes from a bunch of tough nuts who live life to the fullest. I am truly saddened for Shirley and all members of the Vandendries family for their loss. I trust you'll find comfort in sharing your favourite memories of a man who clearly meant so much to all of you. My sincere condolences.
Shirley and family, our deepest condolences on the loss of your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Anna & Family, We were truly saddened to hear about the loss of your much loved, & dear brother Leo. He sounds like a man who was truly loved & enjoyed life to the fullest. His passing must leave a huge hole in all of your hearts, but hopefully all the joyful memories you have made & shared with Leo will always keep him close. Our thoughts & prayers to you all at this very difficult time of loss. With Love, Lesley & Frank Tchorek
A donation has been made to Heart and stroke foundation.
Leo. Gone way too soon. Going to miss bantering with you on the phone every day about the price of trucks and soybeans and the rest of life. Love you Brother. Rest in peace.
A donation has been made to Heart and Stroke Foundation. Message from the donator: I was very sorry to hear of the passing of such a young man; he will be greatly missed by a family who loved him dearly. Please accept my condolences.
To Leo's Family, I do not know Leo nor have I ever met Leo, but wanted his family to know that the accomanying picture I would imagine from his obituary sum Leo up perfectly! Treasure your many memories of him and hold them close to your heart where he will always remain and remember that LOVE never dies. RIP Leo Sincerely, Linda Fox
Always a pleasure to see Leo jr and condolences to the family
Shirley, my deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending much love at this difficult time.
Leo you were one of a kind and we will miss you in so many ways. Rest in peace our dear friend until we met again. Hugs 💙
Danielle and Desiree - my deepest sympathy to you and Leo's family. Leo saw Ron & I one day in London at the corner of Oxford and Western Road. He was there working and called out to us and came over to chat. He could have done nothing but that wasn't Leo - he was always friendly and laughing. We had a good old chat and then went on our way. Keep his memory alive and talk lots about memories, they help sooth the soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Ann & Ron
I am so sorry to hear of Leo's passing, much to young to go. My & the rest of the Verbeems send condolences to all the family!
Our sincere condolences to the whole family. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Hey Bud, This makes me sad. You came to our school when we were in grade 7 at Prince Andrew. You were a legend for all the days I knew you. I hope you’re better now.
By chance, I saw Leo when I was home in November and at a family breakfast in Strathroy. When he came in, almost everyone in the restaurant knew who he was. His smile lit up the room. He took the time to chat with everyone. Even though it had been years since I had last seen him, he was the same fun loving guy I remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Sending our condolences to the family
Dear family, So sad that Leo passed away at such a young age. In 1984, I was in Ilderton/Ontario/Canada visiting the family of Leo sr and Ria, with my dad Jan Paree (Dutch cousin of Leo sr) and my sister Nicole. Leo was about 9 years back then and was always together with Jack. I remember they were joking and laughing a lot. Those are very pleasant memories… I wish all people, who are sad about his loss, all the strength they need to handle this sad situation. May Leo rest in peace. Xx Jacqueline de Nood-Paree Driewegen/Zeeland The NetherLands
We were devestated to hear the news of Leo Jr's passing. He lived a short life, but with he lived it HIS way. To Danielle & Desiree, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this incredibly difficult time. Our heartfelt condolances to the entire family. Paul & Julia Van Hoof
A donation has been made to Heart & Stroke Foundation.
To Leo’s family & friends: Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss. Danielle & Desiree, please know you are especially in our hearts & prayers during this tragic & sad time & we are sending both of you much love & comforting thoughts. Leo was definitely one of a kind & we are sure he will be remembered fondly by everyone who knew him.
It's been a very long time but you my friend will be missed . From all the pig roast to party's on Clarence st and who can forget hydie park . I traded you my big infinite speakers for your 750 shadow lol
I'm really going to miss you my friend. Love you Leo.
Services for Leo Vandendries Jr.
Celebration of Life will be held at:
Bryanston Community Centre
15321 Plover Mills Road,
Ilderton, Ontario
February 4, 2023 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
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If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
We are thinking of you Danielle, Desiree and family during these times. We are grateful to have known and loved Leo. His smile and boisterous laugh can not be forgotten. Looking forward to keeping his memory alive as all move forward. Living life to the fullest as Leo did. Rest In peace to a dear friend.
~ The Staples