Cornelis Middelkoop

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Cornelis ‘Kees’ Middelkoop on the evening of September 6, 2025 after a brief illness. He passed away in the Royal Jubilee Hospital while listening to his music, knowing that he was surrounded by the love of his family.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elly, with whom he shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. In later years he was predeceased by his second wife Mary Honer and by dear friend Doreen McAdam.

He was also predeceased by his parents, Theodoor and Wilhelmina Middelkoop; his sister, Marie DeWard (Garret) in the Netherlands; and great grandchild, Tori.

Left to mourn his passing are his children, Louise Rawluk (Ron), Ted Middleton (Gillie, deceased), Petra Gnoinski (Peter), Wilma Pallone (Dave, deceased), Robert Middelkoop (Sharon) and Esther Findlay (Keith); grandchildren, Ryan (Shannon), Kevin (Maria), Julie (Terry), Steven (Kelly), Amber (Greg), Lindsay (Curtis), Josh (Samantha), Brittany (Jordan), Chris (Tiffiny), Kyle (Sarah), Jonaus and Noah; and great grandchildren, Abigail, Kit, Adam, Evan, Paul, Elly, Owen, Meredith, Ryker, Yennefer, Finley and Chloe.

Also left to mourn his passing is his brother Theo Middelkoop (Ineke) and their large extended family in the Netherlands.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and family and will be missed. His gift to us was his incredible positivity. He showed us how to find light even in dark times and encouraged us to just keep moving forwards. More than anything he cherished his family and that love was always the front and centre of his life.

Dad was born on August 14, 1929 in Gouda in the Netherlands, the middle child of Theodoor and Wilhelmina’s three children. He married Elly on April 20, 1952. A few years later with a suitcase full of hope and determination to build a better opportunity for his children, he immigrated to Canada. He chose Winnipeg because he was drawn to the lakes and the dream of fishing and camping. The family often teased him for not checking the winter temperatures before he made his choice. Dad dedicated 35 years of his working career to Manitoba Hydro in Winnipeg, a career he very much enjoyed. After retirement he and mom moved to Duncan BC, and eventually to Victoria. Dad was an avid gardener and lawn bowler and spent many enjoyable years at the Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club, both lawn bowling and gardening. He also possessed remarkable talent as a painter and we will cherish the lovely artwork that we have in our homes as a reminder of him. His involvement in his church as well as the Wellesley Retirement Home in their community activities demonstrates commitment to staying active in the places he cherished.Gardening remained his passion especially in his later years, and he transformed his patio into a lovely flower garden, finding tranquility and a sense of accomplishment by caring of his flowers right to the very end.

The family would like extend a special thank you to his lovely friend, June Neale, who brought him much happiness and cherished moments in recent times. Also many thanks to the Wellesley staff, especially Cheryl and John, for the care and support for our dad. He was very happy at the Wellesley and enjoyed being a member of that community.

A private family interment will be held on Monday September 15 at the First Memorial Funeral Home where his ashes will be laid to rest beside our mom.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.