Johannes (Joop) Van Der Linde

It is with a profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Johannes (Joop) Van Der Linde on May 3, 2026 in the presence of loved ones at Mill Creek Centre in Barrie, Ont.

Johannes was born on Sept. 13, 1933 in Loosduinen, Netherlands.

Johannes is predeceased by Hendrika, his wife of 72 years, who passed away at Mill Creek in July, 2025. Johannes and Henny moved to Canada with their infant son, Hans, in 1954, settling in their life-long home in the Bradford area, where they raised their family.

Johannes is fondly remembered by his children John (Hans), Rick and Bonnie, his grandchildren Robin, Chris, Erin, Taylor, Dylan, Megan, David and Maddy. Johannes is also survived by nine great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his son, Ronald, and his grandson Michael Van Der Linde.

Johannes was known for his gentle manner and his playful sense of humour, both of which made him a joy to be around. His devotion to his wife was always in plain sight and the two of them were inseparable during good times and bad, celebrating life’s successes and enduring its hardships together.

Johannes especially enjoyed his years as a plant manager at Elkel Steel in Bradford, where he was liked and respected by those he worked with. Elkel employees would continue to comment on their fondness for Johannes years after his retirement.

He was a tireless handyman, building additions to the family home on Concession 8 in West Gwillimbury and working on Volkswagens with his older brother, Joe.

When their children were young, he and Hendrika enjoyed camping, where Johannes would frolic in the water with the children and take them fishing. Favourite memories of Johannes include watching him toboggan down a snowy hill, jumping on a backyard trampoline in his 80s and dancing with Hendrika.