Harry Vleuten

          Harry Gerrard Vleuten passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday January 12, 2026.  He was 84.  His final days were spent at home with his loving wife, of 61 years, Joanne Vleuten (nee Vrolyk) and his daughter Lisa Ross (Gord).  He received many visits from beloved family and friends.  Harry fought cancer bravely for more than eight years, without complaint and with a verve for life and happiness that was infectious to all around him.  The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for Harry during this time. Your kind words and deeds were appreciated.

          Harry was born in the village of Sint. Oedenrode in the Netherlands in 1941.  He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1952, and initially settling in Kirkfield, Ontario, the family eventually purchased a farm in Hickson.  As a young man, Harry worked various construction jobs including learning the trade of bricklaying, which he continued to pursue as a hobby for the remainder of his life.  At 18 he began work for Fischer Controls in Woodstock, where he remained for 10 years, eventually becoming a foreman.  It was during this time, in 1961, that Harry met Joanne and, in his words, “It changed my life completely”.  With Joanne’s love and support, they made the decision together for Harry to go back to school in 1967 at the age of 26, first to complete high school and then for a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Waterloo.

          A series of engineering jobs had the family moving around Ontario, Quebec and New York State, culminating in the decision to start their own engineering company in Woodstock, Ontario.  Thus, Harvan Engineering was born.  For many years Harry and Joanne oversaw the growth and development of the company, creating a strong manufacturer that customers respected and employees enjoyed.  His retirement from Harvan brought the opportunity to pursue more fully his passion for golf and travel with Joanne.  They were fortunate to see most of the world together.

          Harry is survived by Joanne, their daughter Lisa (Gord), son Paul (Jana), and was predeceased by eldest son Richard (1967).  Harry adored his grandchildren Stewart, Arthur, Sophia, Emily, and Bethany.  He had a special place in his heart for his goddaughter Sandy (Kevin) as well as his other godchildren and many nieces and nephews.  He will be dearly missed by his sister Marina (John), and his brothers Jan (Jane 2018) and Ted (Carol).  He was predeceased by parents Lambert and Hendrika Van der Vleuten and siblings Joanne, Bill, Liz, Andy, Lambert, and John.  Harry is also fondly remembered by the Woodstock business community, the Knights of Columbus, many friends at the Oxford Golf and Country Club, and in The Villages Florida.  Along with the memories of all of the places Harry and Joanne lived, there were many friendships forged and kept.  They valued all of them and are grateful for the love given and the love received.

          Those who knew Harry understand the importance he placed on fellowship and joy....and maybe even a drink or two.  To that end, please come to his Celebration of Life on Sunday January 25, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Craigowan Golf Club, located at 595838 Hwy 59 N, R.R 6, Woodstock, Ontario N4S 7W1.  As an expression of gratitude for the life of Harry, the family would welcome donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Woodstock Hospital Foundation, or the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre.

Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Avenue, Woodstock has been entrusted with Final Arrangements.  Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at wareingcremation.ca