Obituary of Leonard Herman Gubbels

Peacefully at Sprucedale Care Centre, Strathroy on Sunday, September 11^th, 2022. Leonard H. Gubbels of Mount Brydges in his 89^th year.

Loving husband of Christina Gubbels (nee Van Hoof). Loving father of Annie (Ken) DeBrouwer of Blenheim, Marja (and her late husband Allen) DeBrouwer of Blenheim, Leonie (Michael) DiBacco of Strathroy, Pete (Tracy) Gubbels of Mount Brydges and Christine (Marco) Sijben of Glencoe. Loving grandfather of Rachelle (Kyle), Quinn (Robin), Erika (Justin), Reiss (Marla), Charlotte (David), Raina (Jason), Evan, Kendra (Brandon), Shannon (Cameron), Ethan, Allyson, Amanda, Katie, Jessica, Nico (Emily), Sjaak, and Anja. Sadly missed by siblings Wim Gubbels, Hubert (Joanne) Gubbels, and Gerda VanDenHurk. Predeceased by several brothers and sisters.

Dad was born in the Netherlands in a town callled Helmond. He was raised with 5 brothers and 4 sisters. Dad grew up with a real passion for farming. He attended agriculture college before settling in Canada in 1964 with his wife Christina by his side. Through several years of working on tobacco farms for his siblings and sharecropping he saved enough money to purchase his first farm in Mt Brydges. Dad believed in hard work and going to church on Sundays. He often wore kloppen (wooden shoes) around the farm. He enjoyed a good joke. Those that knew him well knew he had a mind like a trap. Dad raised his 5 kids with a good work ethic and encouraged and supported them to get a good education. He was a meat and potatoes type of man and he enjoyed a big scoop of homemade applesauce on the side. Up until recently Dad still enjoyed a good crop tour.  He was very proud of his 5 kids and equally as proud of his 17 grandchildren.

For many years Dad experienced serious  health issues, but he overcame them with fierce determination and strength.

Our family was blessed to have recently celebrated his 88th birthday with him.

Dad had a long life with many health challenges but he always recognized his many blessings, including his family,friends, faith and farming. He lived a good life and he is now at peace.

Friends will be received by the family at the Elliott-Madill Funeral Home, Mount Brydges on Friday September 16^th from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm. Funeral mass to follow on Saturday from All Saints Parish Strathroy commencing at 11am. Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery, Mount Brydges.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke or Diabetes Canada gratefully acknowledged.  www.elliottmadill.com

Click here for Livestream of the Funeral Mass