Harold (Hepke) Vandermeer

Harold left this earthly world on January 29, 2025, in Ottawa, ON. He was born on 17 June 1949 in Donkerbroek, (Fr.), Netherlands. 

Predeceased by his parents, Sieger and Grietje Vandermeer. 

Husband to his gift from God, Jiskje Beatrix (nee de Zoeten) for 52+ years. Father to his cherished children, Melanie and Michael Stassen, Jonathan, Brent and Lisa, and Timothy and Jenny. Grandpa/Pake to his much-loved grandchildren, Madi and Ethan Stassen, Ryan, Katie, Adam and Becca Vandermeer and Maeva and Tobin Vandermeer. 

Brother to Arnold Vandermeer and Sue Sampson, Jenny Vandermeer, and Ann and Jim Burkholder. 

Harold cherished his extended family also and enjoyed many good times with aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and good friends in Canada, Netherlands, USA and Australia. 

In October 1953, Harold immigrated with his parents and brother to the Belleville, ON area. Here he completed his elementary and secondary education. He earned a Bach. of Mathematics degree, majoring in Computer Science, from the University of Waterloo. After retiring from a 35-year career with the Federal Government in Ottawa, he dedicated his time to helping anywhere he could. His volunteer pursuits included the church, the Christian schools, The Ottawa Mission soup kitchen, Jericho Road, and more. 

Harold spent many hours hiking and biking with Bea and friends, completing trails from the east to west coasts of Canada as well as the US and Italy. He also enjoyed woodworking and helping his children with projects around the house. He loved the Lord with all his heart, and while we will miss him dearly, we know that he is now happily in the arms of his Saviour. A visitation will be held at Calvin Christian Reformed Church, 1475 Merivale Road, Ottawa on Friday, February 7th, 2025, from 7-9 pm. A funeral service will take place at the church on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Please click here to view a live stream of the service. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation in Harold’s honour to the Ottawa Mission.