August 6, 1940 - May 20, 2013
We are saddened to announce the passing of Leo ( Leendert) deJong at Vanderhoof, B.C. with family by his side, after a brief but courageous battle with Luekemia. He dealt with his last days with strength dignity and courage.
Leo was born in Vlaardingen Netherlands. He immigrated to Canada in 1953 and moved to Terrace in 1954 with the deJong family. He worked on the family farm selling produce to local grocery stores in Prince Rupert and Terrace. In 1972 he began his automotive sales career and in 1981 opened his own dealership, Thornhill Motors.
He retired in 2000, and spent his winters in Arizona. In 2009 He and wife Isabelle purchased a home on Francois Lake. Leo loved being an auctioneer and will be remembered for doing auctions for Skeena Valley Fall Fair, 4-H Club livestock, Kiwanis Club Kitimat, Terrace Sportsplex, REM Lee Hospital foundation, and Ducks Unlimited.
Leo leaves behind his wife; Isabelle, sons; Brent (Leanne) and Mark (Penny), grandchildren; Tegan, Kelsi and Ryan. Brother Bill (Margaret) and Sister Elsie (Gerry) Sister-in-Laws Brenda and Violet as well as many nieces and nephews.
Leo was Pre-deceased by Parents: Pieternella (Nell) (2004) and Jacob deJong (1966), Brothers Jake (2004) and Albert (2011).
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at St. John Memorial Hospital in Vanderhoof for making Leo’s final days comfortable. Thank-you to Tanya McCullough, Cory and Nita Funk, and Pastor Lowell Holmquist for the wonderful memorial service. Thank-you to Heather Avison, and all our family and friends for helping us along.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The R.E.M. Lee Hospital Foundation, PO Box 1067, Terrace BC V8G 4V1 or The Canadian Cancer Society, 565 10th Avenue West, Vancouver B.C. V5Z 9Z9.