Cornelius “Neil” Van Loo of Tara and formerly of Listowel, passed away peacefully at his home on June 17, 2024, with his loving wife Liz (Jacklin) by his side. He was 64 years old.
He also leaves behind his four children and their spouses, Mandy Van Loo of Listowel, Lori Van Loo & Shane Blatchford of Wroxeter, Pamela & Steven Kerr of Owen Sound, and Andrew & Tracey Van Loo of Owen Sound. He was a loving and cherished Grandpa / Papa / Opa and will be dearly missed by Jade, Hadlee, & Karsyn, Stanley & Maybelle, Harper & Myla. Brother of Teuni & Fred Smith of Brussels, Bill Van Loo of Florida, Jane & Dave Dunford of Burlington, Martha & John Kratz of Sarnia, and John & Jeanette Van Loo of Bluevale. Brother-in-law to Muriel Gibson & Colin (Chuck) McIntyre of Welland (formerly Listowel). Neil also leaves behind several beloved nieces & nephews.
Predeceased by his parents Kornelius “Kase” & Martha (Van den Hoed), his brother Everette Van Loo, his parent-in-laws Sheldon & Velma (Cook) Jacklin, sister-in-law Caroline (Jacklin) Sage, nephew Chris Smith and a niece Joyell Sage.
Neil loved his family and his farm. He would often been found doing something related to one or the other. He worked hard but he also enjoyed to joke around whenever he could find the opportunity. He always took the time to talk to people, generally about something farming related. He enjoyed spending any free time with his family, especially his grand kids and would also enjoy a country side drive.
Neil was born in Canada after his parents immigrated to the country several years before. He developed his passion for farming through his parents while growing up on the dairy farm hi parents purchased near Wroxeter.
After he married Liz, they purchased both family farms and continued to work and grow the family dairy operation while creating their family. Neil could be found on the various properties managing his machinery, crops, and cattle. Neil always enjoyed learning more about the various farming industries, and dipped his toes into a few “hobby” side projects over the years as well.
More recently, Neil made a decision to move the family dairy operation up to the Owen Sound area, where the family continued his legacy. Even when he could no longer help, he would make sure he knew what was going on as much as he was able and give some guidance when it as needed.
Neil enjoyed having a good laugh, but was also a proud man and hard worker all of his life. He gave his family values and taught them lessons that have carried them through to today, and will continue being nurtured through to future generations.
Visitation will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel, on Friday, July 5th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Interment and committal services will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Ethel, followed by the Celebration of Neil’s life at Knox Presbyterian Church, Listowel, at 11:00 a.m. The service will be livestreamed and the link available on the funeral home website.
Memorial donations to the ALS Society of Canada or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
