Tom VanderKnaap long time resident of Erin passed peacefully at home on February 6th, 2022. Originally from Delft, Holland Tom along with his sisters, brother and parents immigrated to Canada at the age of 15 where they settled in Collingwood, Ontario. As a young man Tom sailed the great lakes on the S.S. L.A. Mc Corquodale where he met the love of his life Barbara Delfosse while she was vacationing with a girlfriend. Together they were proud parents to Brigitte, Teunis (Marie), and Jan and adoring grandparents to Mason and Jacob.
Although Tom sailed the great lakes on Upper Lake Shipping Lines as a marine engineer for 5 years, he eventually came ashore enjoying a 32-year career as a stationary engineer at Petro-Canada refinery in Clarkson, where he was also a proud member of Unifor. Remembered for his immense pride in both his home country and adopted one; his deep passion for sports particularly soccer (Holland) and hockey (Maple Leafs). Tom was happiest travelling to Florida or relaxing in the gorgeous backyard gardens Barbara created - surrounded by family. Tom is survived by Gerrie Vander Knaap, John (Dianna) Vander Knaap, Eva (Oscar) Patton, and Mieke Patton. Predeceased by his parents Teuntje and Jan Vander Knaap and older sister Audrey Vledder.
Memorial services will be held on June 17th, 2022, at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph followed by interment later that afternoon in Erin Union Cemetery where he will be reunited with his beloved Barbara. For more information, please visit gilbertmacintyreandson.com for updates as we approach the date of the service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Tom’s name to the Diabetes Canada (https://diabetes.ca/) or the Heart and Stroke Foundation (https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give).