In Memory Of

Johan op den Dries

Jan 4, 1933 - Feb 11, 2024

Service

Friday, February 16, 2024
1:00 pm
Covenant Christian Reformed Church in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta

Obituary

Johan op den Dries
January 4, 1933 – February 11, 2024

On February 11, 2024 Johan went to be with his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

He was born January 4, 1933 to Geertje and Derk op den Dries in Niyjverdal, in the province of Overijsel, Holland. On August 4, 1948 he immigrated to Canada with his family arriving in Southern Alberta. After a year in Southern Alberta the family moved to just east of Rocky Mountain House.

In 1953 Johan met Elsie Prins and they were married August 10, 1955. After living in Lacombe for a year they moved to Rocky Mountain House and never left.

Johan first worked in construction and then later worked for Co-Op hardware for awhile. In 1969 Johan started working for the school division in the maintenance department, until his retirement in 1998.

Johan and Elsie were blessed with 7 children, 16 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

Johan enjoyed travelling, gardening, and helping people out during his retirement.

Johan is predeceased by his daughter Anita, and son-in-law Peter.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elsie, daughter Sylvia (Harry), sons Richard (Marlene), Elmer (Joanne), Calvin, Wes (Tracy) and daughter Evelyn and his 44 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life for Johan will be held at the Covenant Christian Reformed Church in Rocky Mountain House on Friday February 16, 2024 at 1:00 PM.

Memorial donations may be made in Johan’s name to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Condolences may be left below.

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences

Tanya Heckbert (Jagt):

My sincere condolences to you all.
Johan was my favourite customer at Dairy Queen for years. We always teased each other & he made me smile

Stan Olmstead:

I wish to extend my sympathy to all of Johan’s family . I appreciated the opportunity to know John and benefit from all his help when we worked at the school division. He was always a pleasant company. Johan’s faith, work ethic and love of country were always clear.

Cal Cadue:

So sorry for your families loss! I will always have fond memories of working with Johan at the School Division!

Stan, Brenda, Cody & Nicole Nicolay:

Our sincere condolences to all your family & friends! We will miss joking with you. Grateful to you & Elsie for the beautiful friends we have in your children & grandchildren<3

Kim Cameron :

Rest in Peace Opa. You've always been with me.

Nellie Nielsen :

I am so sorry for your loss of Johan. I remember him with fondness during his stay at the Lodge. He was always a bright spot in my day.
My condolences to the whole family, but a special big hug for you, Elsie.
Nellie

Henk and karin Nijenhuis:

So sorry to hear about his passing. Henk and John had many years of great team work, and some funny moments at the School Division. Henk admired John. Our condolences to the whole family. Fond memories remain. He was a good and kind man.

Rhonda Hamilton:

The Op den Dries family,
I worked with John many years ago at the School Division. John was a pleasure to talk and laugh with. He was the bright spot in my day! I later worked with Richard, Calvin and Wes, each of whom made my life brighter.
John and his wife raised a wonderful family, and now John has earned his rest. I extend my sympathy to the family and wish John to rest in peace.

John and Gertie Pool and family:

Our deepest condolences to Elsie and the family with the passing of Johan. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Donna Hunley :

So sorry for your loss. Will miss his stories and hockey discussions. Condolences to all the family. RIP. A well deserved rest

Landree Murray & family:

My sincerest and deepest condolences to the op den Dries and Harkema families. It was a pleasure to meet Johan a few times in Jasper over the past few years. He leaves a great legacy with his family. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

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