Obituary of Pieter Gerrit Doef

Pieter Gerrit Doef passed away peacefully on April 10 in Merrickville at the age of 96 years. Predeceased by his beloved wife Wilhelmina (Dijkhuizen), he will be deeply missed by his children Jan (Anne), Maria (James), Ava (Wayne), Michael and Bruce (Bobbie Jean) as well as his grandchildren Jasmine, Sean, Jeremia, Batina, Joseph, Nathan, Cole, Natalie, Neil and great-grandchildren Summer, Willow, Lilly, Avery, Kaylie and Jaxson. Also left to mourn this loss are his sisters Aaf and Annie and children. While serving in the Dutch Marines he met his life long partner. After immigrating from the Netherlands in 1950, Pieter and Wilhelmina settled in Smiths Falls. His first job was on a mink farm. At Rideau Regional Center he found the perfect job, teaching art therapy to many. Art was his life. He taught at the high school, designed and created the Smiths Falls town sculpture in the park and the dedication wall in the hospital with his son Michael. One of the founding members of the Merrickville Artist Guild, Pieter enjoyed life on a 180 acre farm where he planted trees, grew a massive garden and knew every flower's name in Latin. His creations in oils, pastels, watercolours, acrylic, mixed media and hundreds of life size sculptures are appreciated by many across North America and around the world. Being an active supporter of Child Haven from its early days, he traveled to India numerous times and created hundreds of colourful paintings to raise funds. Pieter was a very spiritual man. His passing at Easter is masterful timing. For those wishing to pay their respects, a celebration of Pieter's life will be held on June 24th, 2:00pm at the Merrickville Legion Branch 245 (229 Main St W, Merrickville). Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Ann's Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations to Child Haven International in his memory would be greatly appreciated.