Christianus "Chris" Antonius Koolen

Peacefully, on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Sprucedale Care Centre, Strathroy, Ontario, Christianus  “Chris”  Antonius Koolen in his 95th year.  Chris was predeceased by his siblings: Johanna Straatman-Koolen, Driek Koolen, Nol Koolen, Thiest Koolen, Ted Koolen and Albert van den Bogaard, Hendrika Vervoordeldonk- van den Bogaard, Nellie van den Bogaard, Theo van den Bogaard, Miet Van Lierop- van den Bogaard.    He will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Chris  was born on June 13, 1928 in Asten-Heudsen, Netherlands.  He lived through the Second World War and in 1952 immigrated to Canada with his sister Johanna.  He became a brick layer by trade and belonged to the Bricklayers Union Local 5 in London. An independent bachelor for 94 years, he kept active golfing, bowling, and shoveling snow until he was 90 years old!    He had a real love for gardening and flowers,  a brilliant mind for puzzles, Sudoku, and crosswords, and he was a story teller with a sense of humor and always made you smile and laugh.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s  Church, 1251 Dundas St. London, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023  at 11:00 a.m.   Private interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery,  London at a later date. Following the funeral mass family and friends are invited to a luncheon at the Victory Branch Legion, 311 Oakland Ave. London at 12:30 p.m.  Memorial Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada at www.heartandstroke.ca Online condolences & Guest Book at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca
O’Neil Funeral Home (519 - 432 - 7136)