Obituary of Jack Smeekens

Suddenly at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, Jack Smeekens of Strathroy, formerly of Forest in his 92nd year on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017. Beloved husband of the late Wilma (2009)(nee Van Riel) for 57 years. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his children Jane and Peter (2008) Rombouts of Thedford, Frank and Karen Smeekens of Strathroy, Lia and Mark Schepers of Parkhill, Pete and Nell Smeekens of Grand Bend, Elly and Bart (2016) Leenders of Forest and Jim and Anita Smeekens of Strathroy. Jack is the loving grandfather of 23 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren. Jack is survived by his brothers Kees and Joe Smeekens and sisters Wies Pelkmans and Lies and Sjaak VanderVeeken. Also survived by sister-in-law Riek Bastiaansen. Jack will be sadly missed by many loving members of the Smeekens and Van Riel family both in Canada and in the Netherlands. Jack was married to Wilma in 1952 and emigrated from the Netherlands. He was a vegetable farmer in Grand Bend until 1995 and retired to Forest. He was a proud volunteer with Meals on Wheels until the age of 90 and a life member of the Order of Alhambra (Algarva #168). Jack’s hobbies included golf, cards, billiards and shopping. Jack moved to Seasons in Strathroy and joined as many activities as possible. Visitation will be held at DENNING’S OF FOREST from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Thursday, August 24th. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Christopher's Catholic Church on Friday, August 25th at 11am. Interment to follow at Beechwood Cemetery. Donations to the Order of Alhambra Algarva #168 or the Ronald McDonald House would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences may be left online at www.denningfuneralhome.com .