John DeBoer retained the charm and humour that characterized his life, remaining lucid and gracious until drawing his last breath at seven o-clock on the morning of July 12, 2003, at the age of sixty-seven. He leaves behind Grace, his loving wife and friend of 50 years, and his devoted children, Hennie Denny and Chris Miller of Salem, William and Maria DeBoer of Salem, Kate DeBoer of Salem, Arnold and Suzanne DeBoer of Elora, Sandra and William Baird of Elora, Evelyn and Bill Henderson of Fergus, and his twenty grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Also survived by his sisters Miny and Gerrie of Holland and his brothers Thy's of Elora, Henk of Brantford and Gerry of Renfrew. John enjoyed life. He enjoyed soccer, golf, fishing and international checkers. He enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed people. He enjoyed work and play with equal gusto. From boyhood on he dreamed of having room to live, of fixing tractors and flying airplanes. As a young man he married the girl of his dreams and took her to the country of his dreams. After years of hard work as a farm hand, welder, truck driver and mechanic he created a successful farm equipment dealership from nothing more than a dream. John was a man who realized dreams. He was a man without regret or fear. He was connected to life and higher power through a personal understanding of Jesus. He flew his own plane. He created a three-cottage paradise on his own island in Lake Tyson near Sudbury. This Blueberry Island was, as were all John's labours, a labour of love, and he shared it freely with his many friends and large extended family. John passed away at his Salem home in the presence of his devoted wife and every one of their children and their children's spouses. It was in fact the very same group that had convened just four months prior to learn of his cancer, only now to finally partake of his passing instead of only beginning to prepare for it. No one had ever died less alone or had a more loving and tearful sendoff. It gave firsthand insight into John's view of eternal life. We felt his spirit absorbed by those he loved and who loved him. And, although he will be sorely missed, we have no doubt that he will thereby continue on forever. Friends and relatives are invited to share in a memorial service for John at the Central Pentecostal Church, Elora on Saturday July 19th, 2003 at 1:00 PM followed by a time of visitation and reception from 2-4 PM in the Church Hall. Memorial donations may be made to the Christian Children's Fund as expressions of sympathy. Cards are available through the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, Elora, 519-846-5352 or by visiting www.grahamgiddyfh.com