Jacobus (John) Christiaan Vandergrift

John was the soulmate of Kerry Vandergrift (née Tossell). He was the proud and loving father of Theo, Christiaan (Kristen), Cory (Jordanne), and Marijke (St. John O’Connor). He was the loving Opa to William, Eliza, Margaret, and Madeline Vandergrift, and Thea and Femke O’Connor.

John was predeceased by his parents, Jacobus (Jack) and Gerritje (Gerry) Vandergrift, his in-laws William and Jean Tossell, and his nephew Andrew Vandergrift. He will be deeply missed by his siblings Carla Newbould (Ian), Gerald Vandergrift (Patty), Chris Vandergrift (Jane Armstrong) and his first cousin Christel Zeyl, as well as his Blankestijn and Vandergrift extended families in The Netherlands. He also leaves behind a large and loving Canadian family, including his many nieces and nephews.

In 1951, as a young boy, John immigrated from The Netherlands to Canada aboard the Volendam with his parents and his older sister, Carla. He settled in Guelph, where he spent the rest of his life building a community and a family. With his stentorian voice and big heart, John filled every room with energy, warmth, and a mischievous sense of humor. He was a master bridge player who loved a competitive game, and he never lost his taste for Dutch culture—especially boerenkool, oliebollen and pickled herring. An eternal optimist, and immensely generous, John never said no to anyone in need.

John completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph, graduating in political science (and bridge), before earning his MBA from McMaster University and starting a wholesale floral business. Later, John designed and built machines for automatic floral processing. Professionally and personally, he possessed a brilliant, stubborn determination and a unique, creative mind. He had a knack for recognizing what needed to be done and the imagination and ingenuity to invent the tools and machines to make it happen. Both a blue-sky visionary and a hands-on trouble shooter, he loved nothing more than to analyze, fiddle, and tinker until he could turn his ambitious ideas into real-life solutions.

When he was not in his workshop, John spent much of his free time on the shores of Lake Huron: at Port Elgin with his Tossell family and his many friends on Izzard Road, where card games went into the night; and relaxing at Sauble Beach with the Vandergrift clan.

Above all, John was an incredibly kind man whose infectious humour, hearty laugh, and genuine good nature were a balm to everyone who knew him.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Andrea Matus and the exceptional palliative care team including Dr. Cassy Graham at Hospice Wellington for their compassion and gentle care during John's final days.

Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate John's life at at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph ON. Visitation will be held Saturday November 28, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., and a Funeral Service will immediately follow at 12 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. A livestreaming link will be available for those unable to attend in person. Reception to follow in the Lounge.

If you wish, contributions may be made in John’s memory to Hospice Wellington.