John (Johannus Lambertus Cornelis) Van Haaren passed away peacefully on July 24, 2021, at Sprucedale Care Centre in Strathroy, at the age of 92. John was the beloved husband of Lucy (deKort) for 67 years. Cherished father of John and Benita Van Haaren, Jane and Marvin McGill, Maureen and Ron Coene, Leon and Lynn Van Haaren, Teresa and Les Thompson, Jim and Rose Van Haaren, Jacqueline and John Hanson, Dave and Sandy Van Haaren. Dear Grandpa to Mike (Jean), Paul (Tara), Jason (Molly), Justin (Melissa), Heather (Mike), Kathleen (Cole), Jennifer (Nick), Brian (Lindsay), Mitchell, Kayla (Mike), Jamey (Adam), Lauren (Dan), Hunter, Dylan, Kevin, Chris, Trevor, Madison, Cameron, Hailey, Alex, and Abby. Predeceased by one grandchild Shannon(1975). Great Grandpa (Opa) to Riley, Chloe, Sophie, Nicolas, Emily, Tigh, Nolan, Sawyer, John, Lilly, Henry, Oliver, Frank, Bradley, Dylan, Clara, Reese, Emma, and Beckett. The loved brother of Adrian Van Haaren of Watford, Harrie Van Haaren and Rieka vandePas of the Netherlands. Brother-in-law of Annie deKort, Zus and Leo vanKasteren, Rien and Ria deKort, and Piet deKort all of the Netherlands. Predeceased by siblings and in laws Kees and Anneke vanHaaren, Miet and Jos van Wagenberg, Miet vanHaaren, Dennis vandePas, Anna vanHaaren, Jo vanHaaren, Piet and Jo Bertens, Jos and Tiny Bertens, Frank and Rieka Bertens, Gerry and Annie Bertens, Adrian and Anne deKort, Jan deKort, Louis and Mary deKort, Nel deKort. John was born in Udenhout, Netherlands on September 15, 1928, one of eight children. He came to Canada in the spring of 1952 to search out a new future. After a year and a half, he returned to Holland to marry his sweetheart Lucy. The two newlyweds immigrated to Canada later that year. His life in Canada progressed from humble beginnings of living in a tool shed, to owning their own hog farm and raising eight children. Eventually, John moved from farming to carpentry and built a beautiful home outside of Forest. He enjoyed gardening, raising birds, playing cards, billiards and spent many hours in his woodworking shop making lovely tables, chairs, toys, dollhouses, and birdhouses. He had a great love for his 8 children, 23 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. He was always so very proud of his entire family. John and Lucy together shared an incredible bond of faith, always knowing that in good times and in bad, God was there for them. Dad, you have left your thumbprint on this earth and touched more people than you know, with your love, wit, and wonderful smile. Rest easy, Dad. We love you so much!!! Our family would sincerely like to thank the staff at Seasons Retirement Home, Sprucedale Care Centre, and Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital for their compassion and care. Due to Covid-19, there will be no visitation. A private family Mass will be conducted at St Christophers Catholic Church in Forest. Donations can be made to Right to Life or St. Christopher's Building Fund. Arrangements are entrusted to Gilpin Funeral Chapel, 123 King Street East in Forest, 519-786-4964. Please leave a memory or condolence online at www.GilpinFuneralChapel.com