Mr. Antonius de Klerk, born in the spring of 1947, in Brabandt, the Netherlands, passed away in Red Deer on Monday, December 9, 2024 at the age of 77 years. Antonius, or ‘Ton’ or ‘Anton’ to those close to him, will be remembered for his wisdom, insight, and gentle spirit. Those who knew him fondly remember his kindness, humor, and dedication, along with his deep love for his wife, Betsy, his family, music, travel, reading, biking, nature, and art. Ton brought joy and support to others, with a gift for making people smile. His empathy and understanding made him a trusted confidant, always ready to listen or offer guidance. Ton played a vital role in ensuring the safe operation of chemical processes at Nova Chemicals in Joffre, as well as at DSM, Hoechst Chemicals, and Dow Chemicals in the Netherlands. He was highly regarded by his colleagues for his technical expertise and leadership skills. A skilled musician, Ton mastered numerous brass instruments, including the euphonium, trumpet, flugelhorn, and trombone. A passionate singer and expert harmonizer, he had a beautiful voice and a deep appreciation for a wide range of music. He shared his talents with numerous ensembles, including bands in the Netherlands such as the Dirgellander Musikanten and the Sint Vincentius Harmonie. Here in Canada, he played with the Red Deer College Symphonic Winds for 25 years, as well as the Red Deer Community Band and the Red Deer Jazz Band. Ton led a life filled with purpose and meaning, leaving a legacy of love, joy, and treasured memories. He will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives he touched. Ton will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Betsy; his children, Tony (Karin) and Ingrid; his grandchildren, Simon, Annika, Jillian, and Petra; and his beloved dog, Barney. He will also be sadly missed by his sister, Francis (Wiel). Ton was predeceased by his parents, Antonius and Adriana de Klerk, and his brothers, Jacques, Peter, and Chris. A Celebration of Ton’s life will be held at Parkland Funeral Home, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta, on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. If desired, Memorial Donations in Ton’s honor may be made directly to the Red Deer Hospice Society at www.reddeerhospice.com. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2024-12-25
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com