Obituary of John Anthony Van Lier

VAN LIER, John
A.K.A. Yappie, Johnnie, Crazy Dutchman
November 24, 1964 - March 14, 2020

It is with great sadness that the family of John Van Lier announce his passing in Kingston. John passed away suddenly in his 56th year.

Predeceased by his mother Mary (Riet Alleblas ), father Henk Van Lier. Leaving behind to mourn his loss are sister Starr (Roy), nieces Athena and Holly, and uncle Bas (Alleblas).

John also leaves behind many close friends, coworkers and neighbours.

John devoted most of his life caring for people. He had a way of making people laugh or roll their eyes ( not necessarily in that order! ). He had a love for cigars, cars, track pants, Trump, cold beer, nurturing older people, Havana, Cuba, being Dutch, and the BLU Martini. His sadness over our mothers death was always a pain he carried close to his heart.

He enjoyed being outside and in his younger years had a small landscaping business while also working in group and nursing homes in Kingston. He once asked me (Starr), what I thought of a slogan. He was thinking of putting this on his business cards to combine both of his professions. It simply stated " Cut your grass, wipe your ass." lol. That was John in a nutshell. He was loud, stubborn, hated technology, funny, had a larger than life laugh, caring, and enjoyed that his love of politics got a rise out of most people! He will be sadly missed.

John graduated from the Psychology program at Queen's University and Nursing at St. Lawrence College in Kingston. He loved Kingston and had deep roots here.

A private service will be held for the family at JAMES REID FUNERAL HOME. Due to the recent circumstances of self isolation/social distancing, a Celebration of John's Life will be held at John's favourite watering hole, the BLU Martini. This gathering will be announced at a later date.

Donations can be made in John's memory to the Addiction & Mental Health Services of KFL & A.