Cornealius (Neal) Van Drunen, 82, of Rainy River, Ont. and formerly of Devlin, Ont., passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday Feb. 17, 2010 at the Rainy River Health Centre.
Neal was born Oct. 1, 1927 in Carpenter Township, Ont. to the late Peter and Grace Van Drunen. He attended the Dance school, and was a survivor of the 1938 Dance fire.
Neal worked in construction and logging most of his life.
Neal was united in marriage to Sophie Makowski on Dec. 8, 1953.
He was employed by numerous contractors, including John Stewart and George Armstrong. He also farmed and operated his own gravel business with his wife, Sophie.
Neal had a great love for music and dance, and always will be remembered for calling the circle two dances at the Royal Canadian Legion in Emo.
He is survived by his wife, Sophie, of Rainy River, Ont.; son, Richard (Tammy) of Littlefork, Mn.; daughter, Judy (Steve) Crain of Quesnel, B.C.; and grandchildren, Wesley, Jacob, Richard Jr, Rachael, Christina, and Jason.
Also surviving are his brothers, Bert, Bob (Phyllis), and Ben (Connie); sister, Lois (Mark); in-laws, Joe (Karen), Stan, and Ted Makowski; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Neal was predeceased by his brothers, Tom and John Van Drunen.
Family and friends were received for a time of fellowship on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 from 1-4 p.m. at the Devlin Community Hall.
Cremation has taken place, and interment will take place at a later date.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Kenora and Rainy River District Alzheimer’s Association c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
