Carl (Cornelis Gerardus) Kaas

KAAS, Carl (Cornelis Gerardus) - Passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2015 in his 96th year. Beloved father of Bill (Joyce Veltri), Elly (Tom Broadhurst), John (Lisa Kirchmayer), Henry (Tara Leon), Mary Ann (Klaas Vanderploeg) and dear friend of Leonie Cohen. Predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Margaretha (2003). Proud grandfather to Joe (Alison Latimer), Jennifer, Peter (Ryan Morreale), David, Tony (Nicole Hoff), Andrew, Annie, Marten, Hank, Alina, Carly, Louise, Brendan, Anthony, Alex. Born in Hamersveld, Holland, Carl immigrated to Canada in 1948. He was sent to Manitoba as a farm hand and worked in Sioux Narrows as a licensed wilderness guide before settling in southern Ontario. A licensed mechanic by trade, Carl owned and operated his own service station in Port Robinson. Later he started Westside Auto Parts in Welland. By 1962, ambition took a new direction and he founded Westside Trucking, working until his retirement in 1978. He was a member of the GMC Motorhome Association and enjoyed travelling extensively throughout North America, spending winters at his vacation home in Florida. Carl will be remembered for his deep Catholic faith and love of his family. They will certainly miss his unique sense of humour, his adventurous spirit, and his creative ability to solve problems. He was a writer, in his own unique fashion, and Irene Lee has created a website, http://www.bydewey.com/kaasbio.html, of Carl's writings about life in Holland and his early life in Canada. The stories and pictures on the website give a good portrayal of his self-reliance, independence of character, and his humour. Being the ultimate recycler, Carl has donated his body to the McMaster University Anatomy Department to further the advancement of medical knowledge. A Memorial Mass will be held to celebrate Carl's life on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 12:00 noon at St. Augustine of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church, 220 St. Augustine Avenue, Welland, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Augustine Church would be appreciated by the family. On-line condolences at www.pattersonfuneralhome.com