PASSING - THOM JOORDENS - RCR, Pesident NATO Veterans Organization

[Tim Robinson]

The Regiment regrets to inform you of the passing of Thom Joordens. Mr Joordens was the founder of the NATO Veterans Organization and was recently recognized for his efforts to promote the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of his colleagues. In April 2009 he received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation from Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson at a ceremony in Miramichi.

The commendation was created by the office of Canada's Governor General. It's intended primarily for veterans who have "contributed in an exemplary manner to the care and well-being of veterans".

Mr Joordens was also the national president of the NATO Veterans Organization - a group he founded in 2006 to help unite soldiers who served on NATO missions.

The Holland-born veteran also organized an effort to send 15,000 Christmas cards and 25,000 pocketbooks to Canadian Forces personnel who were serving in Bosnia
 
This morning Gord Jenkins was advised by his wife, Diny Joordens, that Thom died yesterday at 18:00 hrs.
 
Diny Joordens advises that Thom will be cremated, and burial will follow at a later date at Canada's National Military Cemetery - Beechwood in Ottawa .
 
Further news will follow.
 
Should you wish to send condolences:
 
Diny Joordens
332-25 McKnight St
Fredericton NB E3A 9V4

[Gerry Connors]

RIP Mr. Joordens.

[Mike Blais]

This is very sad and will effect the battle to protect veterans rights has suffered  a serious blow. Rest in Peace, Thom. Your efforts will not be forgotten.

[Tim Robinson]

Updated - Obituary

The passing of Thomas “Thom” Joordens of Fredericton, NB, husband of Berendina “Diny” (Hartjes) Joordens occurred on Monday, November 23, 2009 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. Born on April 22, 1931 in Blerick, Holland, he was the son of the late Johannes and Maria Bernardina (Waterreus) Joordens. Thom is perhaps best known as Fredericton's first town crier, ringing his bell and bellowing “oh yah!” at parades and events from 1986 until very recently. He served in the 2nd RCR battalion from 1954 to 1973, after which he became the Director of Maintenance for School District 26 (now 18) until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, becoming Grand Knight of the St. Francis of Assisi Council in 1987, and was a member Branch 4 of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was passionate about honouring those who serve the community, recently earning a Minister of Veteran's Affairs Commendation Medal in 2009 for his efforts to send books and Christmas cards to Canadian Forces in Bosnia, and for organizing 911 celebrations honouring New Brunswick's emergency service personnel. Most recently, he founded and became president of the NATO Veterans Organization to honour and represents all NATO veterans and, under his leadership, membership in this organization has grown to almost 1000 members. He will be dearly missed, and always loved.

In addition to his wife, Thom is survived by his daughters, Marianne Joordens, Terry Wilkins (Ed) both of Lincoln, NB and Michele Poirier of Sooke, BC; son, Steve Joordens (Sue) of Toronto, ON; grandchildren, Chantele Joordens, Tom Martinson, Buddy and Nicole Wilkins, Matthew and Jake Poirier, Darci Dickinson and Dayna Garcia; one great grandson, Bryson Cusack; three sisters; one brother and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Thom was predeceased by several brothers and sisters.

Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive on Thursday, November 26, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4 are asked to assemble at the funeral home for a tribute service on Thursday at 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will take at St. Dunstan’s Roman Catholic Parish on Friday, November 27, 2009 at 2 pm with Rev. Gerald M. White officiating. Reception will follow the service. Interment will take place in Beechwood National Military Cemetery, Ottawa, ON at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation.

[Fred Doucette]

Rest in peace Thom, Pro Patria.

[Mike Blais]

Fredericton has lost one of its favourite voices.

Former town crier Thom Joordens passed away Monday at the age of 78.

Joordens held the honour of owning the city's most "heard" voice for 14 years, retiring from the position in 2000.

His distinctive "oyez, oyez, oyez" was recognized far and wide.

Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside said he was saddened by the news of Joorden's passing.

"He was a great man and did a lot for the community," Woodside said.

"He was a very proud Canadian from Holland descent and a great ambassador for the city."

Woodside said Joordens will be remembered for his role as town crier - a role he performed well and one that was responsible for a lot of good memories, some of which were humorous.

"I remember when we were down in New York and were going in the New York Stock Exchange, they made him set his bell aside for fear that he might bring the financial markets to a standstill," Woodside said.

"He attended a lot of functions and enjoyed very much his role as town crier."

Joordens represented Fredericton as a crier all over the world, including at the world town crier championships in New Zealand, Austria, Belgium, England, the U.S., and in Fredericton in 1990.

The mayor said Joordens, a former soldier, who served with the Royal Canadian Regiment from 1954 to 1973, will also be remembered for his work with the NATO and Norad Veterans Organization, a group he helped form in 2006.

He was also a member of Branch 4 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Bob Lockhart of Fredericton, a retired lieutenant-colonel in the reserves, said Joordens was the complete soldier - serving well in the regular forces and assisting veterans during his golden years.

"He benefitted and enjoyed life because he was the complete person," Lockhart said.

A native of Blerick, Netherlands, Joordens immigrated to Canada on July 11, 1950.

He was the son of the late Johannes and Maria Bernardina (Waterreus) Joordens.

Aside from his military career, he served as director of maintenance for School District 26 (now 18) until his retirement in 1991.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, becoming Grand Knight of the St. Francis of Assisi Council in 1987.

Joordens recently earned a Minister of Veteran's Affairs Commendation Medal in 2009.

He was recognized for his efforts to send books and Christmas cards to Canadian Forces in Bosnia, and for organizing 9-11 celebrations honouring New Brunswick's emergency service personnel.

Aside from his wife, Diny, he is survived by four children.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Dunstan's Roman Catholic Parish on Friday at 2 p.m. with Rev. Gerald M. White officiating.

Interment will take place in Beechwood National Military Cemetery, Ottawa, Ont.

[ranrad]

May you Rest in Peace Thom. I thank you and your family for all your service and dedication. An extra thanks for all your efforts the past several years to unite and remember all Nato veterans, you have pointed us in the right direction..my condolences to all family and friends..ranrad

[woody]

RIP in Peace Thom.
Pro Patria
Bob

[woody]

Thoms resting place at Beechwood.
Bob Woodward

[woody]

Some fellow NATO Vets who attended Thoms Memorial in Ottawa on the 7th May 2010
Bob Woodward

[woody]

Tried to get them on all at once, but as you can see to no avail.
I'm lucky to get them on at all. Weather did co-operate for Thoms day.
Bob Woodward

[ranrad]

May you Rest in Peace Thom , and i thank you for all your work on behalf of us all. We will have to work hard to find an able replacement for your efforts..may i pass my condolences to all family and friends..ranrad

[Gord Vaillancourt]

Rest In Peace Thom, thanks for all you have done and accomplished for all vets.
God Speed
Pro Patria
Gord.V.