Passed away peacefully at his home in Guelph, Ontario on August 1, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He died after an eight year struggle with melanoma. Kees had a love of God and a love of life; his greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife, Deirdre Conway, children, Samuel, Mark, Julia and Anna (Guelph, Ontario) and siblings Wim, Piet, Loek, Truus (The Netherlands) and Hans (Germany). Also mourning his loss are many relatives in Canada and Europe. He was predeceased by his parents, Cornelis de Lange and Petronella Roskam, his parents in law, Patrick and Mary Conway, and his nephew, Coen de Lange.
Kees was born on April 19, 1961 in De Weere, The Netherlands, and grew up in the farming community before beginning his studies at the University of Wageningen. In 1985, he immigrated to Canada to pursue a PhD in Animal Nutrition at the University of Alberta. After completing his degree he began a distinguished career in agriculture, working in the Ontario feed industry and applied research at the Prairie Swine Centre in Saskatchewan, prior to becoming a professor of Swine Nutrition at the University of Guelph in 1994. Always passionate about his work, Kees made a lasting impression as a teacher and mentor to many undergraduate and graduate students, while publishing numerous scientific papers and book chapters, and serving on a number of international committees. Beyond his work, Kees especially enjoyed the Canadian outdoors and trips abroad with his family. He will be fondly remembered for the many hours spent with his family and friends cycling, canoeing, hiking and camping. His family is especially thankful for the compassionate and caring staff at the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre.
Friends are invited to the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph, for visitation on Thursday, August 4, 2016 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, 28 Norfolk Street, Guelph, on Friday August 5, 2016 at 11:00 am. A private family interment will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the GRRCC or to a charity of your choice. Cards are available at the funeral home at (519)821-5077. Online condolences can be made at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com.