Passed away peacefully on April 4th, 2024 at the age of 94. Reen will be missed dearly by his daughters Marlize Monaco-Millar (Gord), Ellen Thornton (Jim) and son Richard (Carole). He was “Pappie” to grandchildren Shaylia Fennama (nee Monaco) (Neal), Penny Ann Lupton (nee Thornton) (Ken), Lisa (nee Monaco) Fennema (Colin), Jim Thornton (Amanda), Richie Vanderlubbe, Christopher Vanderlubbe (Jessie), Jessica Millar, and James Millar, and 18 great grandchildren. Reen is pre-deceased by his wife Regine (Sini), his brother Bill, his sister Rita, his inlaws (Inge, Peter, Fred, Gwen, Harry, Detta, Carmen, Jim), his son-inlaw Rino Monaco, and his grandson Ricky Monaco (Bernadette). Reen was born in the Netherlands, moved to Suriname in 1947, marrying Sini, and moving to Canada in 1958. He entered the grocery business and owned an IGA store on Main St E in Hamilton from 1963 to 1989. Many family members worked a stint in that store, and many friendships and marriages formed there. Reen was an avid tennis player in his backyard court, The Landings in Fort Myers, and until age 85 at the Burlington Racket Club. A great life! A visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 10th, from 7pm-9pm at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas.
Reen was the best boss I ever had ,but to me he was a friend more than anything. Through out the years of me growing up really in Sanford IGA we had many conversations he taught me a lot . He was a good listener if you had a personal problem I knew I could tell him anything or ask him anything. I worked for Reen for many years ,I loved it there and I love working for Reen. You will be missed but I know you’re happy where you are now. Love alway your employee Christine and your friend.
I feel really blessed that I had the change to meet him. I’ll still see him enjoying eating the Dutch food “draadjesvlees” aardappelen en boontjes in the kitchen at Richard’s home. Rest in peace. I’m sure Dolly will meet you up there.
Condolences, I remember your home in grand vista and visiting the store. Your mom and dad would float in and out when hanging out with Inky and you. He was a good guy!
Dear Richard, Carole and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Sending our condolences to all of you. Maria and David.
We wish you and your family peace and comfort as you grieve the loss of your father. Please accept our condolences for the loss of your beloved father
This morning I learned of the peaceful passing of Reen Vanderlubbe last Thursday. This was a bit of a shock, but not a complete surprise because as son Richard wrote, he passed away at 94 years of age and had lived a very rich life.
I have many good memories of Reen, since I first encountered him 50+ years ago in the home on 22 Maple avenue. He was a true patriarch of the family, a solid father and always a rational businessman. He was supportive when need be, and from my vantage point botj then and now, I think he was quite tolerant of the many indiscretions of his children (and indeed their friends).
He was a wonderful role model, not just for his family but also for those friends and colleagues who came into his orbit. He was certainly an adventurous soul, moving at a young age from Europe to Surinam, where he found love and his life partner in Sini. He was curious, well-read and always opinionated. He loved to travel (I recall him going on IGA trips far and wide), loved to socialize and kept himself physically active until a very late age, playing tennis.
He was in many ways the archetype of a new Dutch Canadian: multilingual, pragmatic, demonstrating a strong work ethic and always maintaining a sharp sense of humour.
Reen gave me my first “normal” job in the microcosm that was Sanford IGA, stocking shelves and pruning vegetables. So many characters I encountered there, all of whom were performing their roles under his attentive gaze. I wasn’t on hand when he passed on the business but I bet some tears were shed that day by his staff.
My last memory with Reen is very poignant. I joined a Sunday dinner together with Richard and Reen’s brother Bill. Both gentlemen were then into their nineties. And both were very animated, enjoying with gusto a substantial roast of beef and some very generous pours of spirits. I think back on this evening whenever I sit on the park bench overlooking Webster’s Falls that bears the Vanderlubbe name.
Reen was a great man, who lived a full and multi-colored life. I think this is something we should all strive to emulate.
During this time of grief, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Your father’s legacy of laughter and love will always be a part of you.
Love Suzanne Labonte
Dear Richard. I was unable to be at your father’s visitation, but I wanted to reach out
and send my deepest condolences. Best wishes. Marguerite