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John Gragtmans
October 10, 1930 - July 18, 2016
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<div itemprop="description">We are saddened by the passing of our father, John Norbert Leo Gragtmans. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones. A pioneer in his own right, John and his wife Loeky immigrated to Canada from Holland in 1956 and were the first of their family to move to North America. They started the Canadian branch of the family tree, which now has over 85 leaves and continues to grow. He took great pride in having established this living legacy with Loeky. <br> <br>John was a teacher for many years at Northview Heights Secondary School where he helped shape the minds of countless students who learned chemistry, physics and many valuable life lessons from him. He also spent innumerable hours patiently teaching his own children, nephews and grandchildren, how to be good students. <br> <br>John’s deep love for God and his Son, Jesus, were reflected strongly in all elements of his life. His belief was a bedrock for him and a beacon of light for all those whose lives he touched, and there were many. <br> <br>We are also joyous in the celebration of the full life he lived. He flourished in the family environment that he and Loeky had created together and nothing gave him greater pleasure than to share in the ebbs and flows of the life experiences of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and the many friends he had made over the years. John was eternally grateful for all the gifts, large and small, that were bestowed upon him. A man of great humility who did not hesitate to proclaim his thanks to God and praise Him. <br> <br>He will be greatly missed. May he go in peace. <br> <br>John is survived by Loeky, his beloved wife and soulmate of 60 years, six of his seven children: James, Paul, Annemieke, Karin, Jane and Ian, 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He joins his son, Philip and his granddaughter Joy, in heaven. <br> <br>Visitation will be held at TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME-NEWMARKET CHAPEL, 524 Davis Dr., 905-898-2100 on Friday, July 22 from 2-4:00p.m. & 7-9:00p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 17955 Leslie St. at 11:00a.m. Interment to follow at St. John Cemetery, Newmarket. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Regina Mundi Home of the Magnificat (http://reginamundimagnificat.com/donate). Online condolences may be left at taylorfh.ca</div>