MAAN, Antoon - Antoon Maan, age 90, passed from this life to the next on December 22, 2020 at Faith Manor in Brampton.
Born to parents Anthonia Van Egtelt and Antoon Maan Sr. on June 19, 1930 in Schiedam, Netherlands, Dad was one of 7 children. He married Elsje Bijloo in May 1954 and they immigrated to Kingston, Canada, later that same year.
After more than 50 years in Kingston, Mom and Dad moved in 2007 to Holland Christian Homes in Brampton and enjoyed their apartment in Hope Tower. They were married for 65 years when Mom died only 7 months ago in May.
In 2019, when Dad's physical strength declined to the point that he needed more help than Mom could give, Dad moved into Holland Christian Home's long-term-care home called Faith Manor.
Dad had many different jobs: furniture maker, ship's carpenter, bus driver, janitor, business owner (driving school &
photography store). But his hobbies always involved creating. Born with eyes that see beauty in things others might
overlook, he has helped others to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. He loved flowers and birds. He was always in favour of taking the scenic route. He created beautiful pieces of stained glass, water colour paintings and award-winning photographs. During his time in Faith Manor, he continued to create greeting cards from his photos and he took delight in learning to use FaceTime for daily chats and coffee times with family and friends when in-person visits were not allowed due to covid restrictions.
One of Dad's final gifts to his family was a book of photos, Bible verses, wise sayings and reflections. The book was created during the spring and summer of 2020 during a time of great trial. In March of 2020, Faith Manor was closed to visitors and residents were restricted to their rooms in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. In May, during the restrictions, his wife Elsje died. As he finished the collection, he was nearing 100 days of isolation in his room. Yet the book speaks not of fear, isolation or loneliness. It speaks of beauty, faith, and thankfulness. His resilience in the face of great loss and isolation has inspired those who know him.
Dad was predeceased by his wife Elsje. He is survived by his and Elsje's children; Annette (John), Elsa, Tony (Mary-Ann), Cathy (Albert) and Judy (Wayne).
Opa to grandchildren Diane (Dave), Mark (Ashley), Craig, Chris, Sheri, Robyn (Mark), Aaron (Erika), Evan, Chad, Elaine, Miriam and Anna and great-grandchildren Reuben (Deanna), Max, Liv, Laila, Megan, Matilda, Owen, Lauren, Toby, Heidi, Frank and Norah. He was also predeceased by great-granddaughter Macy Love.
Dad's life was ended by complications due to COVID. Family kept vigil by his side by day and remotely by night. His wish for words on his grave marker are "God has never left me." Those who spent time with him in his last days can testify that God remained present even in the valley of the shadow of death.
We thank God that what he saw by faith he now sees by sight.
Arrangements entrusted with Scott funeral home, BRAMPTON chapel. In light of the current global pandemic with the present restrictions placed on group gatherings by the government, attendance at the funeral home has been restricted to a maximum capacity of 10 people. As a result, the funeral service will be by invitation only.
For the health and well-being of everyone, we respectfully request that attendees at the funeral home comply with current Brampton by-laws by observing social and physical distancing and wearing masks.
For those unable to attend the funeral home, the Funeral Service for Antoon Maan will be livestreamed. The livestream will commence at 1:00 pm on Tuesday December 29th. Please copy the link below into your address
bar. When prompted, please provide the below password to initiate the live stream.
Link: http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/9043
Password: arbor2020
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