This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Passed away peacefully with his family by his side.
Beloved husband to Pauline (Luyendyk) for 57 years. Loving father to Hank (Pat Deleeuw), Mary Anne (Joe Gallant), Joanne (Grant Wilson), Liz (Dan Graham) and Justin (Dana Gilligan).
Proud and loving grandfather to Jocelyn (Joe Anderson), Esther (Mike Vanderwel), Natalie (Gian Coluccio), Alexandra, Jacob, Mark, Grace, Quinn and Madison, David, and Avery. Loved by his great-grand children: Jack, Claire, Logan and Luke.
Tony leaves behind his older brother, Pieter, sisters Els and Riet. Also many brother and sisters in-laws, nieces and nephews all over the world.
Tony grew up in De Lier, Holland as the youngest of 10 children. He started his career as a mechanic and in 1974 chose to immigrate to Canada with his young family with a dream of building his own dealership. This began in 1976 with East End Motors selling Renaults until 1980 when he acquired the Nissan dealership and moved to Elgin Street in 1984.
In 1988, he partnered with his son, Hank, and built Vandermeer Toyota. When Tony was at work he endeavored to create a place where employees became friends and a larger part of a “work family”.
In 2000, Tony retired but still continued to drive for the dealership and stay connected with the old dealer friends and his “work family”. During his daily visits at the dealership, Tony, would share his opinions and his “Tony-isms” with anyone and everyone.
Tony and the love of his life, Pauline, both loved to travel. Whether by planes, trains, ships or automobiles they travelled to many parts of this beautiful country and planet. They made regular trips to Holland to visit friends and family which usually included a special event.
Tony was a big believer in giving back to the community with sponsorships and donations to local charities. He was a long time member of the Kiwanis Club.
We would like to thank Dr. Mule for his personal home visits and compassion for our father’s health.
We would also like to thank Brenda and her nursing team at NHH for their outstanding care and attention to our father.
Tony wanted everyone to know that he “loved life, people and the car business. I had lots of fun in life”.
Due to COVID restrictions, there will be a private service with an interment in Fairview Cemetery. For those wishing to pay their respects, there will be a drive-through visitation on Sunday, October 4, 2020 from 1-4 p.m. at Vandermeer Toyota, Cobourg. We ask that you enter the driveway from Division Street, and attendants will guide you. Please remain in your vehicle. In lieu of flowers, Tony wished for donations to go towards Ed’s House, Northumberland Hospice Care Centre, Cobourg.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
We were sorry to hear about Tony’s death. He will be missed by all of you. Thinking of you Margaret and Rodger Cooper
I am so sorry to read about Tony's passing. I am seeing this for the first time today. I have many wonderful memories of working for Tony and remember him doing his visits around to staff with his small Tim Horton's coffee in hand. Tony was a great man and boss and cared for his staff. Many years after I had moved on from Nissan, Tony would give me a nudge and a hello whenever we ran into each other out and about. Thinking of you all. Debra Bursey
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
To Hank & all Tony’s family Everil & I we’re saddened to hear of his passing. I always respected Tony & felt he strived to make things better. I also enjoyed his Tonyisms’
I am so deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Tony. He was a father figure to me that I will always cherish . I am proud to work for the Vandermeer family for so many years. Tony taught me so much about the car business and about family and life. There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t say one of his expressions. You will be greatly missed Tony! I will miss our visits and our dinners together but you are always in my heart 😘 Thinking of you Pauline and all your wonderful children and grand children your are blessed with.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Lieve familie, gecondoleerd met Ome Ton! Ik heb de video gekeken samen met pa en ma. prachtige herrinnering zei ma. We leven met jullie mee, en hopen elkaar nog eens te zien. Lieve groeten van ons allen. Marleen
Pauline en familie, gecondoleerd met het verlies van jullie man, vader en opa. Wij herinneren Ton van de tijd dat jullie nog in de nieuwe tuinen woonden. Wij waren altijd welkom bij jullie. Ton was altijd positief, alles kon bij jullie. Wij wensen jullie heel veel sterkte toe in deze moeilijke tijd.
Dear Pauline, Hank and Pat, MaryAnne and Joe, Joanne and Grant, Liz and Dan, Justin and Dana, We are sorry to learn of Tony's passing and feel for you with the news of this loss in your lives. We wish you all the best in the coming days. Our thoughts are with you. Paul and Anne Burnham
Our condolences to the Vandermeer Family. Always enjoyed our visits to the dealership or meeting Tony on the street and talking with Tony over many years. Tony and the family always make you welcomed. Our thoughts and prayers to Hank, Pat and all the family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Paulien, Hank, Maryanne, Liz, Joan, Justin and partners, childrens, We are in thoughts with you at these difficult days. When looking after the photo's of the drive-thru, we think you are giving and having very beautiful moments to remember Ton. I will never forget his hugs and talks when he was in De Lier, the Netherlands. Greetings, Pim, Sophia, Lana, Senn, Fenna and Jesse
Pauline en familie, We willen jullie condoleren met het verlies van Ton, jullie vader en opa. Hij was een bijzondere vriend van mijn vader, Maarten. Het zal een groot gemis voor jullie zijn! We wensen jullie veel sterkte in deze moeilijke tijd en in de komende tijd, nu jullie zonder hem verder moeten. Hartelijke groet, Mark en Mirjam van der Steen-Voskamp
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Our thoughts are with you as your family suffers through this life changing loss.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Pauline & family, We were so sad to learn of Tony's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Deepest sympathies, Bev & Ken Hurford
Pauline, Hank, Mary-Anne, Liz, Justin and family , please accept our sincere condolence with the passing of Tony. We’re blessed to have known Tony and for his friendship that started when we first met on the shore of Lake Ontario back in 1978 and you invited us home for a ‘bakkie’ coffee .......a friendship that lasted till the very end. We wish you all strength in coping with the emptiness. Elly and Jack (Jaapie for Tony)
Dear Pauline and family I am so sorry for your loss. He is sadly missed by so many. Cherish all your beautiful memories. God bless.
My heart is so sad for you, the van der Meer and extended family. Tony was a joy to be around. Cobourg community will miss his presence. For me personally, I will miss enthusiastic discussions on a wide variety of topics that are sometimes not considered socially safe. Love and wishes of comfort to you.
Our sincere condolences in your loss of Tony . It was always a pleasure to chat with him . He had a great outlook on life , family , and advice on work/personal obligations. Sympathy to all of you .
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
tony and family were good friends with us. during his Nissan days we had much in common sharing meetings and trips together. going on the train to Quebec city and playing cards all the way there. we visited one another and attended tony and paulines anniversary.tony was a larger than life person. a person you were always glad to see. we will miss him and his smile. our sympathy to all his family. from ken bev and jeff young.
Dear Vandermeer Family, We are so sorry for your loss, we've known Tony for so many years and always had great visits. Tony always spoke his mind and told it like it was...he was awesome. He always treated us right; from Kiwanis events to leasing our vehicles we always felt like part of his extended work family. We were lucky to know him. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Our sincere condolences, Cindy & Stacey Marriott
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
I first met Tony when he opened the Nissan dealership in Cobourg, being a new Canadian he assisted me in buying my first Nissan car and later my children. Tony was a man who would always go out of his way to speak too you when he saw you. My condolences to the family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Pauline We were so very saddened to hear of Tony's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. sincerely Bryan and Roberta
So sorry to hear of Tony’s passing..Knew Tony from McDonald’s. He can in every morning to get his senior coffee. He will be missed..
Beste tante Paulien, en de gezinnen van neven en nichten. Van harte gecondoleerd met jullie verlies. Wat een prachtige boodschap hebben jullie geschreven rondom het leven van oom Ton. Dat jullie nu definitief afscheid gaan nemen van deze inspirerende persoonlijkheid doet zeer en geeft verdriet. Fijn is wel dat jullie kunnen terug blikken op de vele jaren samen zijn en de vele momenten met elkaar. Wij wensen jullie sterkte. Met hartelijke groet, Eddy en Marja + de 3 meiden uit Soest (NL)
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Tony was a fine man and he has left behind a legacy both in a remarkable family and a hallmark business that serves both its customers and its employees with integrity and respect.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Lieve Paulien, kinderen en kleinkinderen. Allemaal gecondoleerd met je man, pa en opa. Wat een verdriet! Wat zullen we hem missen! Het is allemaal zo vlug gegaan, dat we het bijna niet kunnen bevatten. We gaan een broer en een vriend missen. Wij denken aan jullie. Heel veel sterkte toegewenst van ons allemaal uit Ermelo en Putten. Wij houden van jullie!
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Deepest sympathy. What a wonderful person and friend your father was. His humour was outstanding and his love of life and people will be forever in our hearts. We have very fond memories of Tony. He certainly will be missed! Sincerely, Ted, Rose, David and the Scherle family
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Tony was a familiar and welcome sight at the "family dealership". He will be missed, but his name remains on our vehicles. We're grateful for what Tony helped to build.
Pauline & Family: Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Tony. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word and he will be greatly missed by all the knew him. We will miss him at family dinners, etc. If there is anything we can do the help please do not hesitate to call. Brad & Belinda Sherwin
Our Sincere condolences to the Vandermeer family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
I would like to send my condolences to the Vandermeer family, it was always nice to have a chat with him at McDonalds while waiting for our coffees or enjoy them.
Hank, Liz, family and the Vandermeer family thinking of you during this difficult time. Tony will be missed by so many friends and family. You all have memories that you will cherish and reflect on.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Our condolences go out to Pauline and the entire Vandermeer at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
My sincere condolences to Pauline, Hank and Pat and the Vandermeer family. I always enjoyed chatting with Tony ! His kindness and generosity will never be forgotten in our community and we will miss him and his wonderful smile! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Familie Van der Meer-Luyendijk Bij deze tonen wij ons medeleven met het overlijden van Ton. Dat jullie omringd mogen zijn met mensen, die van jullie houden. Zij kunnen de situatie niet veranderen, maar ze kunnen de dagen wel een beetje draaglijker maken. Veel sterkte gewenst. Sjaak en Jorijke van Rijn -- Nieuwelaan 4A -- NL-2691NS 's-Gravenzande Hebben vroeger veel samen aan motoren gesleuteld. Wij woonden toen nog in Maasdijk, Pr. Marianneplein 1.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Hank and Pat & Family, Reading these lovely tributes to your father make us wish we had known him. He sounds like a remarkable man who truly lived a life of success to have so many who were touched by him. Our sincere condolences. Take good care of yourselves as you mourn his loss.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Condolences to the Vandermeer family. Been working for the family a long time and I always enjoyed listening to a Tony story. We will miss him. We hired an new technician and after a few months the one thing he had heard was Tony bought donuts ever Tuesday and claims it was the reason he applied for the job. Vandermeer Toyota has enjoyed many donuts.
We first met Tony in the 1980's at Cobourg Nissan Dealership and of course, we ended up buying a car from him. He was a GOOD salesman!! Since then, we always drove Nissan trucks & cars, which we bought from Tony or Todd Smith. When Tony sold the Nissan Dealership & bought Cobourg Toyota with Hank, we followed him and we bought Toyota vehicles from then on. Tony was a great guy! He was always very friendly and helpful whenever we went into the Nissan & Toyota Dealerships to browse or to buy a vehicle. He always greeted us with a smile and always had a joke to tell us, or a holiday adventure to share with us, (don't know how he remembered them all!). Tony will be missed a lot, especially his good sense of humour. Pauline, Hank, Pat & family; Liz & Justin & families, (& the Vandermeer families), our most sincere & deepest condolences to all of you. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. May shared memories, shared joys of Tony keep him close to you, and may time ease the pain & sadness that you are feeling right now. God's blessings to all of you. With kindest regards, Keith & Monica Long
My condolences to the Vandermeer family. I didnt see him often but whether at work or in the community he was always a pleasure to chat with. He will be remembered by many as a generous, hard working man proud of his family & their accompolishments! His generosity will be missed by our community.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
To the whole Vandermeer Family, so sorry for your loss, he will be greatly missed by many.
Tony (Ton) was truly a good guy, positive at all times, he came around to the Luijendijk Family back in the sixties, we all saw him as a big brother he was fun to hang out with. For me he was my mentor , helped and advised in future decisions. The end of Tony's life came as a shock ,I and we all are glad that he didn't have to live in pain for very long. Tony (Ton) rest in piece .Thank you so much.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Pauline: We were so sorry to hear about Tony's death. Both of us always enjoyed our chats on the collection Sundays. He was so well known around town, and well respected. We hope you and your family know how much Cobourg people thought of Tony. Carol
Paulien en familie, Gecondoleerd met het verlies van Ton. Wat zullen jullie hem missen. Wij wensen jullie heel veel sterkte in de komende tijd. Gerrit en Gerda de Bruijn en kinderen.
I was surprised today when I heard of Tony’s passing & wanted to express my condolences to the family. I always found Tony to be a good and honest man in my dealings with him. I last bumped into him about a yr ago at Herbs ant we chatted for about 15 minuets about stuff & he was bugging me to stop in at the new Toyota building for a tour by him. He will be missed by a lot of people.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Sorry to hear of your loss. Tony left many good memories for you. Bonnie
To Hank and your family...just learned of the passing of your father, Tony, and I wanted to pass on my heartfelt condolences. Having gotten to know your father a little bit during the early days of your ownership of Cobourg Toyota, he was always a pleasure to deal with, always a gentleman and a real character for sure. I know his presence will be sorely missed by all of your family and customers at the dealership. All the best.
Lieve Paulien, kinderen, kleinkinderen en achterkleinkinderen, Gecondoleerd met het overlijden van Ton, wij wensen jullie heel veel sterkte met dit grote verlies. Veel liefs Teun en Annie Varekamp - Breugem Kanaalweg 12 , 2676 LX De Lier Nederland
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
So very sorry to hear of Tony's passing. I'll always remember him as a happy, friendly man. He always had time to chat. He'll be missed.
Beste Paulien en Familie. Gecondoleerd met het verlies van je man en jullie dierbare vader opa en overgrootvader. Wij wensen jullie sterkte voor nu en in de komende tijd. Dit wensen wij jullie toe namens de kinderen van Ome Wim en Tante Cor Varekamp. Liefs en groeten van de Fam.Varekamp
Hank & Family, Your father was a wonderful man in the Cobourg community and he will be forever remembered and missed by all who met him. Our sincere condolences & thoughts are with the Vandermeer Family during this difficult time. Cindy & Joe
My condolences to the Vandermeer family in the loss of your husband and father. Johan ?MacLean
To Pauline and the Vandermeer family. Sending our love and prayers at this difficult time. Our deepest condolences to you all. Jayne, John and Sarah.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
To the Vandermeer family: Words are not enough to express your loss. Memories last forever, tears seldom do. God Bless
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Nu Ton er niet meer is zal het een stuk stiller worden in Cobourg. en nu hij niet meer naar de Lier zal komen ook We zullen de discussies bij een bakkie of een biertje (witte wijn voor Ton) ongelofelijk gaan missen zowel de mens Ton als zijn verhalen Stilte is zo nu en dan goed Ton Maar nu.........
Dear Pauline and Family. We are so saddened by the loss of your family head, " Tony Van". He was an extraordinary individual who was always willing to render assistance and guidance to anyone seeking his advice. I will especially miss the Dealer Trade road trips that we shared. There was always a few good jokes coming from Tony. Our twice weekly coffee meetings will never be the same without him. I am very grateful to have been a part of his life. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again. You will never be forgotten.
Aunt Pauline, Hank and all family members, Our condolences to you all..
Hank, Pat and family I am sending love and hugs to you all during this very difficult time. Jackie
Pauline and family, our sincere sympathy for your loss of Tony.
Lieve familie, graag willen wij jullie condoleren met het verlies van jullie lieve man, vader, en (overgroot-)opa. Ik herinner mij de bezoekjes van Ton en Pauline aan Nederland. Oom Ton sprak dan Nederlands doorspekt met Engelse woorden. 'Ik ben net met de plain aangekomen op de airport'; prachtig! We hopen dat jullie de mooie herinneringen koesteren en daar troost in vinden. Hartelijke groet van Erna Jansen - van der Meer. (Jongste dochter van Rien en Bertha van der Meer). PS: Tante Pauline: via deze weg wil ik u ook hartelijk danken voor de lieve telefoontjes en kaartjes die u steeds naar mama stuurde. Daar werd zij erg blij van. Dank u wel, dat was zeer attent en werd erg gewaardeerd.
My condolences to the Vandermeer family and friends. I’m very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. He truly was the nicest man and always took time to say hello. A donation has been made to Ed’s Hospice Care Centre in his memory.
My condolences to Hank and family on your loss of a great guy.
Marry Anne, Joe, Alex and Jacob and the Vandermeer family. Our sincere condolences for your loss. May your memories carry you through these tough times.
My condolences to everyone. Tony was a great man. He lives on in all of you. Be well everyone Jayne Fisher
Lieve Pauline en familie, Wij willen jou condoleren met het overlijden van je lieve man Ton. We wensen jou en je familie Gods troostvolle nabijheid en kracht toe in deze tijd van verdriet en het gemis van Ton, die niet meer bij jullie is. Het is goed te weten dat jullie heel veel goeds met elkaar hebben gehad en dat mag dankbaarheid nalaten voor wie Ton is geweest voor jullie. Zegen en een liefdevolle groet van Ful en Greet
I knew your man and father as a good man .once I went with my uncle to Soesterberg,driving in a K70 VW. He drove very fast and steady. I remember that day as very joyfull. Also I had good memory at the garage in de Lier, it was a good place. Thinking on you and aunt Pauline, I hope yo7 have good days with eachother.
Dear Mary Anne, Joe,Alexandra and Jacob as well as the rest of the Vandermeer family, Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Tony. We were saddened to hear that we wouldn't have the opportunity to see his warm smile and enjoy his wonderful sense of humour again. We will always remember him fondly and miss him dearly. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Cindy and Stan
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Sending condolences to the Vandermeer family and team
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
It doesn't seem that long ago when your family visited our family on the farm. My parents looked forward to the visits and later to come together with laughter and good conversation at Mom's when you were moving vehicles. A good man. He will be missed by many.
Dearest Tony, Ter Herinnering. It’s Sunday, September 27/2020 Our driveway is empty and no one is here There’s an infilled seat at our table & No shout for a ‘bakkie’, speculaas or Apple pie. How odd, He’s not usually late but No Tony? No ‘grapjes’? Where is he? What’s wrong? Where has he gone? Alas, our good friend has travelled on..... Oh. Tony, good vriend, You are sorely missed and Our hearts are sore As Time wears on....
We are so sorry to hear of Tony's passing. Our sincere condolence to the whole family. You are in our thoughts and prayers
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
We were so sorry to hear of Tony's passing. Our deepest sympathy to Pauline and family.
Dear Pauline, Hank, Mary Anne, Joanne, Liz, and Justin, Cindy and I were deeply saddened to hear about Tony's passing. He was a pillar of the community and the local auto industry. He was always ready with a humorous story and his friendly smile. Tony will be deeply missed by his many friends here and in Holland. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Hopefully fond memories of Tony will ease your period of mourning. In Deepest Sympathy, Bryan and Cindy Marjoram
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of Tony. He has left a lasting legacy in our town & community and he will be deeply missed. Thinking of you all, Blaine & Lynda Darling and family
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
We are so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. Sincere condolences to the whole Vandermeer family. You are in our thoughts.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
So sad to hear of Tony's passing. Had many chats with him at the dealership and coffee time at McDonald's on a Sat morning. Condolences to Pauline and the family.
The Vandermeer Family: Please know you are in my thoughts at this very difficult time.
We are all so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. Tony was a wonderful man. Mom and I loved to visit with him when we came in to the Dealership for a car wash. He will be missed. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends.
Our sincere condoleances to Paulien and the greater Vandermeer family. We will miss him so much in our circle of friends! We have been friends for over 70 years! Even through the distance from Holland to Canada is large, there has always been a connection, whether by phone or by app. But also with visits vice versa! We will remember him as a person with a lot of humor and commitment. We wish you a lot of strength in the coming time! Arie and Ineke, Ellen, Siem and Mary, Wim and Wil.
Dear Pauline & Family, We were so very sorry to hear about Tony’s passing this past week. We are sending our sincere condolences to you & the entire family at this difficult time. We always enjoyed our many chats with Tony at the dealership. He will be so missed! Thinking of you. Love Diane & Al
Pauline my deepest sympathy to you and all your family at this sad time
Dear Vandermeer family, We wish to express to you our deepest sympathy at the loss of Tony. He was a great guy and will be missed. We wish you all the best at this difficult time. Paul and Anne Burnham
Our condolences to all. The world has lost a beautiful soul, heaven has gained one. I will cherish my “ Tony-isms” which I have many of . I was fortune to have worked for Tony at Cobourg Nissan. Tony was a great boss and mentor . Rest In Peace.
MaryAnne, Joanne and the Vandermeer family, please accept our deepest condolences. Tracey and Mervin Bond
Condolence to the family, Joe and Lena Cutro
Paulien en familie gecondoleerd met het verlies van Ton. Het zal een groot verlies zijn en daarin wensen wij jullie heel veel sterkte toe. Groeten Gerrit en Corrie Dukker
Lieve familie. Gecondoleerd met het verlies van je man, jullie vader, schoonvader, kinderen en kleinkinderen en mijn neef. Koester de mooie momenten die jullie hebben gehad met hem. Heel veel sterkte en kracht om dit intens verlies te dragen en te verwerken. Groet. Toon van der Meer
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Pauline and the whole Vandermeer clan. We are sorry to hear of Tony's passing yet happy to have been recipients of so many "Tonyisms " over our years as neighbours on Gardiner Cresent. Astonishing, direct, straight shooting honesty is so rare these days and Tony was a gem of a character. He embodied family and a solid work ethic but he knew how to have fun too. Our thoughts are with you during this time, Geoffrey Honey (& Brigitte Evering)
Dearest Mrs. Vandermeer, Hank, Maryanne, Joanne, Liz, Justin and families, my condolences. ❤
Dear Pauline and family, We are very sorry to hear of Tony's passing. We have always enjoyed you both being a part of our Trinity family of faith and our community. Now, all the promises of God are realized by Tony and he shall always be with the Lord Jesus Christ. Be comforted by the good memories and the family you have built.
Truly a gentleman of the highest standards. My condolences to Paulina and the greater Vandermeer family. As a newcomer Tony made me feel welcome to the Northumberland community and I always enjoyed our communications, as colorful as some of them were.
To the Vandermeer Family...please accept our sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear Husband, Father, Father in-law and Grandfather!!! Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all❤
Tony was a great individual that started up a business in the 80's that I have to say that I was a small part of, with the construction of it. I worked with Tony as well as Hank these past years either working with them personally or with the business. Either way they are both an asset to the community that we all live in. We will miss Tony and my condolences to the families. Angelo DiDomizio
Our sincere condolences to your families.
Pauline and Family ,Wishing you much strength in this difficult time. My condolences. God Bless! Janny Batelaan(Boeve)
We are very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing he was a wonderful man and always made us smile. Our deepest sympathy for all of the family.
Mike has shared many wonderful stories of a decent, caring Tony from his employment time at Nissan. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
We were saddened to hear of Tony's sudden diagnosis and very sorry not to have been able to visit him. We met Pauline and Tony through our friends Henk and Jane Vermeer. We always enjoyed our times together including a concert and dinner in Toronto and family gatherings during the past 12 years. We extend our deepest sympathy to Pauline and the family.
Please accept our sincere condolences. My wife, Faye and I, are very sorry to hear about your loss. Although we didn't know Tony, we know how loved and respected he was by all his family, friends and associates. May he rest in peace.
'Ome Ton' visited the Netherlands quite a few times, and it was always a lot of fun. We always enjoyed his stories about Cobourgh, the family in Canada and a lot more. We wish Pauline and the rest of the Vandermeer family a lot of strenght in these difficult times. Our condolences. Ed, Coen, Tessa, Luuk & Michiel
I remember Tony well and fondly. He was a true gentleman. My thoughts are with you.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
We are sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. Kathy and I send Pauline and family our love
He was a lovely man. Very sorry for your loss.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
We were saddened to hear of Tony’s passing. We are thinking of all of you at this difficult time. Mary & Mark, Evert & Tracey, John & Yvonne, Janet & Andrew, Christina & Paul
Murray and I were so sorry to hear of Tony's passing. I have known Tony since the 70's when he used to come into the bank to do his business. Murray of course knows him from the many cars we have purchased over the years. Again, we are so sorry for your loss.
I don't think I have any childhood memories that do not contain you or your family in them. You took me in and cared for me while my mom worked and always made sure I was looked after. I always knew that I could go next door and someone would be there to help me out. I will be forever grateful to you and your family for everything you did for me. You will be missed beyond measure especially all your advice. I hope you are resting easy now, watching over everyone. Jenny .xo
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Hank, Pat and your entire family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all . he will be deeply missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him and his smile
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Hank , my sincerest condolences to you and your family on the loss your father. Tony was a great man and one of the foundational Toyota dealer people . I really enjoyed talking to him when he visited our place or I saw him at a Toyota function. He will be greatly missed. Take care.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Hank and Pat, and the whole Vandermeer family, my sincere condolences. A great loss no doubt, but also a great life lived.
Such sad news! I considered him like a grandfather to me. Opa. What an amazing man, I will miss him dearly! Love and prayers to you Pauline and the rest of my Vandermeer "family". ❤
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
To the entire Vandermeer family. Lorraine and I are very sorry for your loss. Tony sure could tell great stories whenever he would pop into our office for a coffee and a chat. Cherish the memories. Take care.
Pauline, Please accept my sincerest sympathy on Tony's passing. Although I had never met him personally, he seems like he was quite a character. May your beautiful memories of him sustain you at this sad time.
Very sorry for your loss, Tony was always such a happy guy and fun to run into and chat with. Kind caring and generous, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We are so sorry to hear that Tony is no longer with us. We had gotten to know him as a good friend and will miss him when visiting the dealership Our condolences go out to the family. it is such a difficult time for all.
I cannot tell you how very we are to hear of Tony’s passing. As long time customers we have appreciated his honesty and humour. We will always remember that Smile and his sage advice. Thank you Tony, for all you were!
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Sending Our sincere condolences to the Vandermeers
Everyone gotta keep SMILING 😂 … Tony’s S M I L E could light up a theatre 😁
Tony you will be truly missed. You taught us all to be "Optimistic" . The most positive influence. We thank you for that. Will miss those days you stop in to chat . Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Vandermeer family.
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Tony ,my condolences to his Family.🙏
Dear Pauline, Hank, Mary Anne, Joanne, Liz, Justin and family Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at such a difficult time. May you find comfort in all the beautiful memories you have shared over the years! Tony has always been so kind to me over the years and his praise and guidance will never be forgotten. His love for Pauline and his family was admirable! I’m going to miss our visits even though I didn’t always understand the Dutch accent. Rest In Peace - with love Lisa & Gary
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Tony, it was many years ago in 1976 that you started East End Motors, next door to our rural farmhouse on Hwy # 2. We bought a car from you there as well as from Cobourg Nissan and Vandermeer Toyota. Your daughter Joanne and our daughter Laura were in the same grade all through school. Whenever we met, you were always interested and enthusiastic concerning whatever it was we were doing, Your smile never changed over all those years but neither did your accent get any less distinctive --- you just knew you were in good hands with Tony. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Pauline and the whole family.
My thoughts are with you all during this time. Although I never got to experience the Tony-isms, it seems his goodness extended beyond himself into the people he loved and surrounded himself with. Sending love and my sincerest condolences.
I first met Tony in 1990 when we moved to Cobourg from Newfoundland. Being a member of Kiwanis, I soon got involved with the Cobourg club where I met Tony. We became friends and remained such right up to the present day. Marion and I were so sorry to learn of Tony's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pauline and the family. Ian
Tony and I had some great conversations. Some I didn't always understand but I really enjoyed them and I learned to be a good listener. I will miss spending time with him. With our sincere condolences to Pauline and family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
I’m so sorry to hear this.. Tony you were such a kind man . My deepest sympathy to Pauline ❤️❤️ And family..
My most sincerest condolences. I only know Tony from our brief visits in the hallways of his condo and Pauline from working with her on the condo board. Both are sincere and amazing people. My heartfelt prays to the Vamdermeer family.
So sad to hear,wonderful man great to be around. I am so very sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear of Tony's passing. Sending your family my sincere condolences.
Rick and I are so very sorry to hear this news! Our deepest sympathy to you, Pauline, and the family! What an incredible legacy of love and caring he has left to everyone. We are glad we knew him!
I met Tony 30years ago he had a wit about himself that transformed to many people He was a true car guy that loved the customers and the automotive buisness But first and foremost was proud of his family and their accomplishments I will miss his smile when coming to our dealership and the many talks we had My sincere condolences to the vandermeer family
Hank, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you, your mother and family at this difficult time. Tony was one of the Good Guys and is gone to soon. We always had a laugh when we met at your's or our dealership or any Toyota function. We will miss his smile doing a dealer trade
I had the great pleasure to sit and talk to Tony on many occasions and his biggest smiles always came when he was talking about family. He will never truly be gone as long as any one of you are still alive. His greatest legacy is not the businesses he built but the family he raised.
We have been part of the Vandermeer business for nearly three decades and Tony will never be forgotten, from his "Tonyisms" to just plain making your day better he was the definition of a great man. His legacy to us will always be his love and commitment to his family, they were always first no matter what and that he just had the ability to make you feel a part of that. Gone too soon but will his impact will live on forever in our family and in this community.
Always a pleasure to talk with at the dealership. A fine gentleman, excellent story teller he will truly be missed. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
So sorry to hear of Tony's passing. We have purchased cars with Tony and family for many years. Tony always had a story which half the time I wasn't sure what he was saying, but I always had a laugh with him. Hugs to the entire Vandermeer family.
Cousin to my father , a pleasure to have met you in life.. always the regrets of not having spent more time together. Deepest condolences to the family from myself and my mother. Till we meet again...
What a great guy. He will be missed. Over the years that I have know Tony, I don't think I heard him say a bad word about any body. When ever I was in his company, and what a pleasure that was, he always made me smile. Rest in peace my friend!
We will miss Tony's smiling face at coffee at McDonalds. He was always on the move but stopped to pick up a coffee most days. Our condolences to Pauline and their family.
Pauline & all the family I’m so sorry to hear about Tony you were the best neighbours on Gardiner my thoughts are with you Hugs to all 🙏🙏🙏
So so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing I clean the building where Tony and his wife lived had many great conversations with him and he always made me smile it’s a great loss for his family and the community God Bless .
Condolences Pauline in the loss of your loving husband and great family man and business man. Sending prayers to you Hank Pat and the the whole Vandermeer family. Tony will be truly missed. Hugs to one and all
I enjoyed very much talking and dealing with Tony and purchasing cars from his families auto businesses.He was easy to talk to I will miss the times I would see him at the Toyota dealership and speaking for a minute or two with him . God Bliss
So sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. May the memories made remind you of him always. My deepest condolences, Cynthia Fernhout Adams_❤
Pauline and family We are so sorry to hear about Tony’s passing He was a great man and a wonderful neighbor for many years Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone at this sad time Jane and Wayne
I am so very sorry to hear of Tony's passing. He was a great friend to my parents, Louis and Katherine Baker, and took great care of them when they would purchase a vehicle. Our deepest condolences to the family❤
To the Vandermeer family; Please accept my sincere condolences. Bob
We have lost our friend. He made us laugh and appreciate life. His many contributions to the community, in so many different ways, will ensure that Tony lives on in our memories forever. My thanks to the Vandermeer family for sharing this delightful man with us. Roma Colbert
Hank and all Tony's family, I am saddened to know that Tony has left us. I remember him from so many years ago at the dealership as a good person. He will be missed and i pray God comforts your hearts with the peace only He can give.
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers Sharon xo
What a shock it is to learn of Tony's passing. When I first came to Cobourg in 1996 he was one of the first "Business Owners" that I had the pleasure to meet with. He was always upbeat and like Barry Wood has stated in an earlier message of condolence, you really were not sure what Tony was always saying with that heavy Dutch accent, but you knew that he was making his point. I watched as he handed over the family car business to Hank and family, but he never really walked away. I heard that he would always drop by the Toyota dealership with coffee and take care of the landscaping each spring and summer. I remember how he always took the time to chat when we crossed paths after he "Retired", or what was supposed to be retirement. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Vandermeer family as this time of sadness. Tony will always be remembered as a well respected family man and member of the Northumberland community. Rest in piece Tony! Dave and Diana Hughes
Our deepest sympathy, to all the family and to you Pauline. Tony was generally quiet but very sociable and easy going. He will be missed.
Tony AKA DD (Dutch Dad) Was an amazing man! Very few people achieved what he did! He will be missed so much not just at work but in the community. Sometimes he would sit across from me in my office and Chat with me and I would think to myself I have no clue what he’s talking about in his Dutch accent I would just nod my head😀 I am so proud to have known him and his family! God bless my DD❤️ I will keep selling for you don’t worry about that. Sell sell like blah blah! Lots of love from all the woody’s 👊
Our sympathy to all the family special Pauline from dina and walter
To the Vandermeer family , our Gardiner cr neighbours for many years . Please accept our sorrows . Tony was a wonderful man and a great neighbour . Kevin Hedley and JoAnn Kropf-Hedley
It is with great sadness that I write this note to you. Although we didn't spend a lot of time with Tony we always enjoyed seeing him and had such respect for him. And, of course, we love all of you, his family. Dean and I were among the first to know you here in Cobourg and found your family to be loving and kind as well as industrious and successful. Tony will be missed but thankfully, we all have wonderful memories of his great smile, and kind deeds. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you,his family, and especially to Pauline. May Tony Rest In Peace. Sincerely, Liz and Dean
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.