Anthony ""Tony"" Raats

1932 ~ 2014

Tony, a beloved Dad, Pops, Grandpa & Papa.

Anthony Hermanus Marie Raats of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Henny Raats, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Wednesday April 23, 2014 at the age of 81 years. Tony was born in Doesburg, Holland on August 19, 1932 to his parents Wilhelmus and Cornelia. Tony followed the love of his life to Canada in 1953 and married Henny Vredegoor the following year. Tony and Henny would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year in August. Tony was a proud man who worked hard throughout his life to provide for his family. He worked for CP Rail, Lilydale, Swifts and Canada Packers before retiring due to health issues. During his retirement he enjoyed fishing with friends, restoring antique furniture and loved spending time with his family! Dad is survived by his eight children Willie, Corrie (Rodney) Kneeland, Helen (Randy) Ruaben, Tony Jr. (Juanita), Henry (Tiffany), Terry, Sylvia (Daryl) Tonin and Joe (Tara); fourteen grandchildren Kristy (Chris), Neil (Taylor), Richelle (Aaron), Nicole, Tiffany (Adam), Shanda (Cory), Dana, Chrissy (Johnny), Tia, Taylor, Dylon, Shalayne, Joey, Jaden, and Chloe; five great- grandchildren Taylor, Brynlee, Maya, Nico, Ainsley, and his loyal companions Sable and Tootsie. He is also survived by two sisters, Toos Schilderman, Sr. Cornelia; and sister-in-law Dinie Raats, the extended Vredegoor family; Dinie, Everett (Anna-Marie), Marten (Dora), Ben (Ann), Mike, Marie, Hank (Agi), Ann (Conrad), Jerry, and Lena (Henry); as well as many nieces, nephews and their families. Tony was predeceased by four brothers Gus, Frank, Will, and Kees; two sisters Joanna and Wilhelmina; father and mother-in-law Anthony and Grada Vredegoor and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Dad's time on earth has come to an end, but his legacy will be with us forever. We know he is now resting comfortably in peace looking down at us with his BEAUTIFUL SMILE. We were so blessed to have had such an amazing husband, father, grandpa, and mentor who taught, shared and gave us so much to live for. Tony was loved and will be dearly missed by all.

A Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00pm on Friday April 25, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 St. South Lethbridge.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00pm on Saturday April 26, 2014 at ST. BASIL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 13 St. North Lethbridge, with Father Nathan Siray, celebrant.

The family of Tony would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses on the 5th floor at Chinook Regional Hospital for their loving care of dad.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4K7.