At Lakeridge Health Oshawa on April 27, 2025, at the age of 94½ years and in the quiet of the night, our Lord called His servant Phillip (Phil) VanHartingsveldt home to his eternal rest.
Beloved husband for 68 years to Rita VanHartingsveldt (née vanWilligen). Loving father to Peter (Elaine), Geraldine (Dave DeVries), and Krista (Steve Driesman). Cherished Grandpa to Ryan (Julie), Alicia (Ken), Rachel (†), Bradley (Victoria), Kristin (Patrick), Adriana (Richard), and Janine. Proud Great-Grandpa to Amy, Colton, Carson, Taylor, Justin, Kaylee (†), Ashlyn, Alaina, Rebecca, Lucas, MacKenzie, Olivia, and Hannah.
Phil is survived by his sisters Riet and Nel, and predeceased by six of his siblings.
Born in Hellevoetsluis, Holland on October 19, 1930, Phil immigrated to Canada in 1951 at the age of 20. After arriving in Montreal, he made his way to Niagara-on-the-Lake and eventually to Toronto, taking on farming and construction jobs. In 1956, Phil married Rita and together they began their family. In 1965, they moved to Whitby, and in 1970, settled in Newtonville where Phil founded Durham Precision Cabinets, growing a business that served many homes and provided employment for many. A humble mentor, Phil balanced hard work with devotion to his family, church, Christian schools, and community.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home, 53 Division Street, Bowmanville, ON. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11:29 a.m. at Maranatha Christian Reformed Church, 2805 Highway 2 East, Bowmanville, ON. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Knox Christian School or Durham Christian High School.
Psalm 100:
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
Come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His;
We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.”
