Cornelis B. de Leeuw (Casey), age 91, died on September 1, 2016 at St. Marguerites Manor in Calgary. Casey is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Hedwig M. de Leeuw (Ording); his daughter Marlene de Leeuw-Cain and her husband Peter; son Dingeman de Leeuw and wife Wendy; daughter Mary-Ann Smulders (de Leeuw) and her husband Jeff; and son John de Leeuw and his wife Karen. His is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Casey was born in Holland and raised in Terrakan Indonesia. He returned to Holland with his brother to attend boarding school. During WWII Casey joined the Dutch Underground fighting for Holland’s liberation from Nazi Germany. After WWII ended he fought in the Dutch East Indies war for four years. In 1947 he was wounded in both legs and was awarded the Draaginsigne Gewonden, (Dutch Purple Heart).
In Canada, Casey worked for BA Oil for 16 years before enrolling in the University of Calgary in 1972 and four years later he graduated with his teaching degree at the age of 51. Casey then worked as a full-time teacher, part-time substitute teacher and guest lecturer until finally retiring for good at the age of 80. In 2003 he was nominated for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for outstanding and exemplary contributions to his community. Casey maintained his busy schedule during his retirement years until sidelined by vascular dementia, a disease that plagued him until his death.
The funeral service will be held on October 8, 2016 at 10:00 am at St. Cecilia’s Parish in Calgary, AB. After the funeral there will be an internment service at Queen’s Park Cemetery for family members only.
To view the full obituary and send condolences please go to www.choicememorial.com
LIFE WELL LIVED