Johannes (John) Buitendyk

Buitendyk, Johannes (John) – known as ‘John’ in Canada, and ‘Hans’ in The Netherlands, passed away, at the age of 81 on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at the Guelph General Hospital. He fought a strong battle with cancer in which he was recovering, but a quick onset of health complications followed.  The battle could not be won. His loving wife and children were by his side as he slipped quickly into the afterlife.

John leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Johanna. His son Rich, his daughter Lisa (Rick), and grandchildren, Alycia (Drake), Melanie ‘River’, and Matthew (Alana). As well as his brother Frans (Xandra), many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews in the Netherlands, and family and friends in Canada.  John “Hans” will join his Parents, Andreas and Petronella, and brother Jan, along with his in-laws and other family and friends who have passed on. 

Born on May 7, 1943 in Leiden, The Netherlands. John and Johanna married in Schiedam, The Netherlands in 1966, and moved 3 weeks later to Canada to start their life journey and family.

John is remembered as a kind, happy, social and optimistic man. He had a love for music and would often be heard whistling and humming along. He was always willing to help others when asked and able to help fix just about anything. He was a problem solver who was creative and thought outside of the box. As such, he was a handyman, a machinist, an engineer and was mechanically and technologically savvy.

Over his career, he was a ticketed General Machinist, and a Mechanical Engineering Technologist – QC Technician. In his later years he got to travel with the quality team of Bruce Nuclear Power on several occasions to South Korea and Argentina.

Travelling was a big part of his life, enjoying many adventures with Johanna and his family. From his early years sailing as a steward with the Dutch Navy, to his summer travels going where the annual magic convention was being held, as well as many trips abroad with family. He had a love for life and got to enjoy many, many places, including throughout Canada, to across the USA, to The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, the UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, China, Africa and more. John thoroughly enjoyed life and culture.

With many interests, his longest and deepest interest was magic.  For many years, as a side hobby, John performed as “Arkello” the Magician, for kids birthday parties, Corporate family events, at Magic conventions, and as a Guelph Shriner in his earlier years he performed magic and as a clown making balloon animals.   John was a longstanding member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians for over 40 years, and as a member of the Guelph Masonic Lodge and the Kitchener and Hamilton Magic Clubs.

Thank you to the support and efforts of Dr. Madani, Dr. Glick, Dr. Molckovsky and all the support staff and nurses at Grand River Cancer Center, St. Mary’s and Guelph General Hospitals. 

Forever in our hearts, he will be dearly missed.

Cremation has taken place, with a memorial service being held on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 11:00 am at WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, with light lunch and refreshments to follow. For those who cannot attend, please click here to watch remotely via Zoom.  Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).

Memorial contributions to the to The Grand River Hospital Foundation – Cancer Care would be appreciated. 

A tree will be planted in memory of Johannes (John) Buitendyk in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.