Jan (John) W. L. Vanderkamp
VANDERKAMP, Jan Willem Lodewijk (John)
July 22, 1941 – November 18, 2025
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, John went to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Born on July 22, 1941, in Zwolle, the Netherlands, he was the fifth of eight children born to Hein and Hendrina Vanderkamp.
From an early age, John loved to make others laugh. His playful spirit showed in the jokes he played on his siblings and continued throughout his life, bringing joy even during his time in the nursing home. At twelve he discovered sailing, and from that moment on the water became one of his greatest passions—whether he was piloting a boat or simply watching one glide by.
At sixteen, John met his ’first’ wife, Jetty. After four years of gathering the courage, he finally asked her on a date—and of course it included sailing. Three years later they were married and then lived in Zwolle, the Netherlands. In this time, he also completed his education to become a civil engineer and worked in his family’s business.
In 1970, John and Jetty embarked on a new adventure, moving to Canada with their three young children; two more children were later welcomed into their family. John worked tirelessly to provide for his family—first driving a cement truck, then his homebuilding business, and his excavating business, all with Jetty’s unwavering support. Eventually he became a real estate agent which brought the family to the Guelph area.
John’s faith was central to his life. Over the years he and Jetty attended Dundas Calvin CRC, First CRC Guelph, and most recently Trinity Bible Chapel and Kortright Presbyterian Church. He treasured the fellowship of small groups and joyfully served in many roles including Sunday school teacher, catechism teacher, elder, and dearest to his heart was as an Alpha Course leader. His desire to serve the Lord extended beyond the church walls; through the school board, the Billy Graham Crusade, service projects, visiting the sick, and as a telephone counsellor for the Back to God Hour.
In his later years, John faced the challenges of Parkinson’s disease and dementia with courage and grace. Even throughout his illness, John’s faith remained as firm as it was through all of his struggles, reminding us of Romans 8:38-39:
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Jetty and their children: Hein (José), Rob (Annelies), Jaapje†, Coby (Tim†), Irene (John), and Luke (Tara).
He will forever be cherished as “silly Opa” by his grandchildren: Daniel; Trevor (Sophia); Belicia (Colton); Patrick; Sierra; Charlotte; Oliver; Jordan; Jacob (Alyssa); Andrew; Bradley; Alyssia (Jayden); Maylee (James); Ariella; Josiah; Ettyanna; Catherine; Elizabeth; Victoria; and Julianna.
He will also be lovingly remembered as a playful great-Opa to Viya, Arie, Ophelia, Jase, and Tilly.
John is fondly remembered by his siblings: Huup (Joke), Eef (Leida†), Rini (Jaap), Truus† (Jan†), Annet (Klaas), Anne (Henk), and Marianne (Wim); as well as his many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Wall-Custance Funeral Home and Chapel, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, on Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 7–9 p.m. Funeral Service will take place at Kortright Presbyterian Church, 55 Devere Dr, Guelph, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 10 a.m.
We are grateful for the care and love he received at the Elliott Community and would like to thank the staff there.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.
A tree will be planted in memory of Jan (John) W. L. in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.