Johan “John” Emiel van Diest passed away in the comfort of his home on August 19, 2020 in Sioux Lookout, ON with his daughter, Barbara, and granddaughter, Emaya, by his side and good friends nearby.
John was an avid outdoorsman since he was a young boy. He was born in Batavia, Dutch East Indies, on January 19, 1936 to Emiel and Mariette. He emigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in 1967 with his beloved wife, Emy Venz de Rozario- van Diest (Sept 30, 1938-July 28, 2017) in order to escape city life and pursue a lifestyle where he hoped he would be able to enjoy Canada’s abundance of nature and wildlife. John did so, with every opportunity he had in the years to follow. John had an adventurous personality and loved hunting and fishing with his friends and family and simply going for walks and drives out “in the bush”. John really loved animals and helped to take care of more than a few. In his later years, he shared those pleasures especially with his only grandchild, Emaya.
John was a highly skilled, qualified mechanic who particularly took to heavy equipment. He worked at the Griffith Mine in Ear Falls, ON from 1968 to its closure in 1986. John, being a life-long learner, and very determined, went back to earn his high school credits at Red Lake District High School. It was an immensely proud moment when he crossed the stage with his daughter, Barbara, in 1987, diplomas in hand for both. After this, he returned to work in several mining and bush operations until his retirement. He earned the respect and admiration of many for his skills as a mechanic and for his strong work ethic.
He is survived by his eldest daughter, Barbara van Diest; his granddaughter, Emaya van Diest; his daughter, Annette Milanese (Michael), as well as cousins, nieces and nephews in the Netherlands.
A beautiful private, outdoor celebration of John’s life was held in Ear Falls, on the shores of the English River, at John’s request, in August of 2020. In line with John’s spiritual hopes, he longed to be reunited with his wife, Emy, and with his parents, one day in a Paradise earth.
John left a rich and wonderful legacy. He will always be remembered by those who knew him, admired him, and loved him. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the William George Extended Care through the Sioux Lookout Funeral Home,128 Front Street, Box 1449, Sioux Lookout Ontario. P8T 1B9.Online condolences may be emailed to: siouxfuneral@gmail.com.