Obituary of William Akkermans

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of William (Wim) Akkermans, beloved husband of the late Johanna VanLoon (2006), father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a cherished member of the Greenfield community. William departed from this world on July 31, 2023, leaving behind his five children: Herman (Antoinette / Casselman), John (Julie / Greenfield), Tony (Christine / Ottawa), the late Anna (2005 (late John Maloney 2004) / Martintown) and Will (Laura / Aurora). William was blessed to have fourteen grand-children and seven great grand-children, with more to come!

William was born December 9th, 1932 in Teteringen, a small village in the Netherlands. His family owned a Nursery, and he was the youngest of eleven children. At seven years old, the Second World War broke out and he lived through the war until the age of thirteen. 

In 1957, at age 25, William immigrated to Canada. Shortly thereafter, he reunited with his childhood crush, Johanna. They married soon afterwards and together through hard work and commitment they built a thriving farm that he was greatly proud of. 

During their well earned retirement years, Johanna and William enjoyed their grand and great grand-children, fishing, travelling and playing cards with their friends and neighbours. He was well recognized as an active member of the community, volunteering at the Roman Catholic church in Greenfield, driving for Meals-on-Wheels, and serving as a loyal member of the bird counting society. William was happiest when he was in nature. His lifelong passion for farming remained throughout his life, and daily walks outdoors were a part of his routine right up until just a few years ago. He loved to be surrounded by his grandchildren, listening to the chatter from his large, loving family. William could be relied on by his grandchildren to always have a Werther’s candy in his pocket. 

Later in life, William was blessed with the dear friendship of a special companion, the late Dini Hagen (2021 / Glen Robertson).

William will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren plus many extended family and friends in the community that he called home in Canada.

Friends are asked to gather at the Glengarry Funeral Home, 580 Main St. S., Alexandria, (613) 525-3400 on Friday, August 18, 2023 from 7 - 9 pm and at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish on Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 10:00 - 11:00 am.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11 am, followed by an interment in St. Catherine of Sienna Parish Cemetery and a reception at Fraternité Hall in Alexandria.

Donations made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation at https://cwf-fcf.org/en/ would be appreciated by the family.

Condolences/Donations/Tributes may be made online at www.glengarryfuneralhome.com