This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, John Prosje, 90 years old, born on October 12, 1930, and passed away on March 17, 2021.
We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to:
1.) American Stroke Association: https://americanstroke.org/donate/
OR to my parents' 2 church homes:
2.) Church By the Sea: https://pushpay.com/g/thechurchbythesea
3.) Case United Church: https://www.caseunitedchurch.ca/donate
***CELEBRATION OF LIFE/MEMORIAL:
Monday, April 5th 11:00 a.m.
Church By-The-Sea (2700 Mayan Drive in Ft. Lauderdale):
Church By The Sea (thechurchbythesea.org)
*Livestreaming Zoom Meeting to Donald V. Brown Funeral Home Chapel: Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada Home | Donald V Brown Funeral Home serving Stoney Creek, Ontario
Church in Ft. Lauderdale is open with masks required.
Funeral home in Canada VERY LIMITED ATTENDANCE due to COVID-19 and RECENT April 1, 2021 policies- names and contact required ahead of time. (email directly to Michelle: michelle@prosje.com)
ZOOM MEETING INFORMATION:
Topic: Celebration of Life: JOHN PROSJE
Time: Apr 5, 2021 10:45 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87318554537?pwd=U2N1a3JiUXpJdGxUdk9ldy9Xc0VlZz09
Meeting ID: 873 1855 4537
Passcode: LIFE
We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to:
1.) American Stroke Association: https://americanstroke.org/donate/
OR to my parents' 2 church homes:
2.) Church By the Sea: https://pushpay.com/g/thechurchbythesea
3.) Case United Church: https://www.caseunitedchurch.ca/donate
***CELEBRATION OF LIFE/MEMORIAL:
Monday, April 5th 11:00 a.m.
Church By-The-Sea (2700 Mayan Drive in Ft. Lauderdale):
Church By The Sea (thechurchbythesea.org)
*Livestreaming Zoom Meeting to Donald V. Brown Funeral Home Chapel: Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada Home | Donald V Brown Funeral Home serving Stoney Creek, Ontario
Church in Ft. Lauderdale is open with masks required.
Funeral home in Canada VERY LIMITED ATTENDANCE due to COVID-19 and RECENT April 1, 2021 policies- names and contact required ahead of time. (email directly to Michelle: michelle@prosje.com)
ZOOM MEETING INFORMATION:
Topic: Celebration of Life: JOHN PROSJE
Time: Apr 5, 2021 10:45 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87318554537?pwd=U2N1a3JiUXpJdGxUdk9ldy9Xc0VlZz09
Meeting ID: 873 1855 4537
Passcode: LIFE
Dad, it's hard to believe it has been about a year since you left us. Mom reminded me today that one year ago at 5 p.m. on 03/05/2021 you had a stroke while sitting in your favorite chair under the tree outside.
We miss you and your joyful smile.
I continue to see the joy in my girls...their smiles remind me of you daily. I wish I could tell you that in person. Please know you will always hold a very special place in my heart and my life.
Love always, Michelle
We miss you and your joyful smile.
I continue to see the joy in my girls...their smiles remind me of you daily. I wish I could tell you that in person. Please know you will always hold a very special place in my heart and my life.
Love always, Michelle
In honor of my beloved husband, John, the love of my life, my friend and father of my children, who filled my life with so many treasured memories. We shared so many joys along with sorrows, as we travelled together through our journey of life. My heart and soul are with you, John, today, October 12, 2021 as we would have been celebrating your 91st Birthday. I will forever cherish our lifetime of so many wonderful memories. "Together forever"
Truly a one of a kind. Will be missed by all and our thoughts are with your family.
Buddy Sherman
Southport Raw Bar
Buddy Sherman
Southport Raw Bar
Dear Michelle, Jason, and family - Danny and I send Our Prayers and Love to your family during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
One special memory I have is seeing your father's eyes light up each time he looked at one of his granddaughters! And, hearing them play music caused his winning smile to just BEAM across his face!! The first time I met him, I felt his Gentle Spirit.
One special memory I have is seeing your father's eyes light up each time he looked at one of his granddaughters! And, hearing them play music caused his winning smile to just BEAM across his face!! The first time I met him, I felt his Gentle Spirit.
John was always a joy to be around… His big smile and always joker and funny attitude will always be a remembrance in my mind. He treated everybody with respect. I know his family is grateful and lucky to have such a wonderful man in their lives. God bless and Rest In Peace... Cheers John!!
It was an honor and privilege to walk with the beautiful Prosje family during this time. Your love, strength and faith was so heartfelt as you loved on Mr. Prosje. The pictures are beautiful and his smile is contagious, so much joy in his life. May God continue to bless you as you grieve.
Dear Marlene and Family, It was an Honor for us both the be sitting next to John at every Hockey Game all these years! We will never forget him! He Loved Hockey and Enjoyed eating his Popcorn and Ice Cream as much. He will be living in our Hearts. May he Rest in Peace! Our Sincere Condolences. Louisa & Pierre
Diane, Bryan, Kyle, Bradley and family
It was always a real pleasure and learning experience to be in the presence of your father and grandfather. He was such an interesting, enjoyable and jolly gentleman. I am very sorry that his presence in your lives has been so drastically altered. Hopefully the extensive and incredible family photo gallery you put together Diane will over time bring more smiles than tears to each and everyone of you who loves him and will miss him so much. How thoughtful of you to offer us the opportunity to be able to share his Celebration of Life with you by ZOOM. I would not miss it and I thank you very much. Love and Prayers, Sandy
It was always a real pleasure and learning experience to be in the presence of your father and grandfather. He was such an interesting, enjoyable and jolly gentleman. I am very sorry that his presence in your lives has been so drastically altered. Hopefully the extensive and incredible family photo gallery you put together Diane will over time bring more smiles than tears to each and everyone of you who loves him and will miss him so much. How thoughtful of you to offer us the opportunity to be able to share his Celebration of Life with you by ZOOM. I would not miss it and I thank you very much. Love and Prayers, Sandy
Paul and I send our condolences. John was always so welcoming on all of our visits. We will cherish the memories forever. With love the Seifert family.
It was a pleasure meeting John and knowing him through the Progresso Retail Merchants Association. He was a wonderfull person to know and dedicated to his community. Sincere condolences to all, Joel & Amy Hamilton.
Michelle,
I remember all the times you talked about your father. Your eyes would light up and there was always a smile. Jim and I are so sorry for your loss and your family's loss. Keep those memories close.
Marcia and Jim
I remember all the times you talked about your father. Your eyes would light up and there was always a smile. Jim and I are so sorry for your loss and your family's loss. Keep those memories close.
Marcia and Jim
I’m glad I got the chance to meet John even thou it was for a short time .He always made you fell welcome and made you laugh.Always had a smile on his face and could tell he loved his Family and friends.
My condolences to his Family
My condolences to his Family
John was a good customer in my families store and hired me while I was in college to paint some of his buildings. I have known him for 50 years and he always had a smile on his face and had something nice to say. He later installed and air conditioner in my old truck. He had a great love for old cars. John loved his family more than anything and I am thankful that I got to know him. And I am glad he had a wonderful long life. Condolences to his family.
It was always great to visit with you and John when you were in Ontario or I was in Florida. Our lunch visits kept us in touch over the years. John will be fondly remembered! My sincere sympathy to you and your family Marlene.
Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. John was a great man, always looked forward to our meetings and conversations. Always a joy to be around.
I really looked forward to seeing John, at the car shows, each year! I so much appreciated being with him and Marlene, at their spaces, at Hershey. John always had a good story to tell and it was very interesting learning about his life. I have missed seeing him the last couple of years, but will forever remember his sense of humor and generosity!
Marlene, you are in Laurie's and my prayers. We are truly sorry for your loss!
With love,
Carl and Laurie
Marlene, you are in Laurie's and my prayers. We are truly sorry for your loss!
With love,
Carl and Laurie
Although times are tough, I know for certain that John is in a better place now. I dreamt that we gathered at The Church by the Sea in Fort Lauderdale for Mr. Prosje’s funeral. In the dream, we were called to come forward to view him in his casket and suddenly he got up and was dressed in all white silk. A lady in white came down and flew up in the air with John. I knew right then that he made it to heaven. Mrs. Prosje, I know that John always wanted you to take care of yourself, be happy, and be at peace. To you and your family, keep strong! He is in a better place.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
My Prayers are with you.
Gipssy J Piloto (SKK)
My Prayers are with you.
Gipssy J Piloto (SKK)
My mother and me would like to present you our sincere condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We send you a lot of love. Sabrina and Noelle
To the Prosje family, sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear husband & father. May John R.I.P. and may all your lifetime memories comfort you in the days ahead. Condolences from my Dad Doug Lane, and I, Laura (Lane) Parsons from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
As snowbirds, Billie and I, and our dog Fiona, came to Florida seven years ago. As I walked with Fiona up and down Hendricks Isle, John and Marlene were among the first people I met. What warm and welcoming people they proved to be. It didn’t take long before John and I were sharing some life stories. I learned about his coming to the United States and accumulating properties, cars, and countless other stuff. How fortunate I was to visit his “museum” and to have a ride in that big Packard touring car. I so much liked his antique outboard motors that I went on the internet and found one for myself.
John always told me what he thought; so I naturally told him what I thought. He was fun to chat with, and even as more recently he slowed down, I enjoyed connecting with him.
John, one of my first and finest friends in Fort Lauderdale, I will miss you. God bless.
Duke
John always told me what he thought; so I naturally told him what I thought. He was fun to chat with, and even as more recently he slowed down, I enjoyed connecting with him.
John, one of my first and finest friends in Fort Lauderdale, I will miss you. God bless.
Duke
One of the highlights of our Florida vacations was a tour of John's treasures. There was always a story to go with each one. He lives on in memories. Caring thoughts and sincerest sympathy to Marlene and family
I'm so sorry, Diane, Bryan, Kyle and Bradley for the loss of your father and grandfather. I know how much he meant to you all, and I know how proud he was of all of you. It was great spending time with your dad and your family.....birthdays, and other occasions, visiting his antique shop.. and remembering how special his 80th birthday was at your house. He will be missed, but you have some great memories to look back on and to share.
Thank you, Jim and Micheline for your kind donation to Case United Church in honor of John. Much Love, Marlene
We are reflecting on a lifetime of memories: 1968: the summer of our weddings; following your lead and emigrating to Florida; babies born and baptized (some together - thank you for sharing Michelle’s with Stephen and Laura); Moose Club parties; camping trips; shared vacations; Christmas and New Year’s dinners; children’s weddings; loving support when Stephen died; antique and car shows and all the important times in our lives.
Love and prayers to you Marlene and the whole family,
Sharon and Bruce, Bruce and Cheryl, Joey and Kym, and Laura
Love and prayers to you Marlene and the whole family,
Sharon and Bruce, Bruce and Cheryl, Joey and Kym, and Laura
Mrs. Prosje words fail to express my sorrow. My heart goes out to you and family.John you will never be forgotten.one of my best patient I ever had.Thank you so much Mrs. Prosje and Michelle for giving me the opportunity to see him before he pass.He will always be missed.
Michelle, your dad was strong, determined, industrious, fun-natured, travel aficionado with varied interests. As a young teen, I remember your dad ate garlic at breakfast, wore a Panama hat and Birkenstock’s when driving the motor home and loved to share laughs. What a full life he had with wonderful adventures.
I know he was abundantly proud of you, Jason and his graddaughters.
Hugs, love and prayers of comfort to you, your mom and Jeff!
I know he was abundantly proud of you, Jason and his graddaughters.
Hugs, love and prayers of comfort to you, your mom and Jeff!
This may seem like a small thing but in hindsight it highlighted many days. I am the closest neighbor to John & Marlene (literally) as my liveaboard sailboat is on the dock just outside their apartment/home.
In the last couple of years, and nearly everyday John's was the voice from under the tree that I shared conversation with ... sometimes just a few words & other times longer reminiscence of days past &/or our shared joy of classic motorcycles. I was even lucky to join him in his antique shop to see first hand the 2 wheeled beauties that he rode around the south FL highways & byways back in the day.
But it was this short Q&A that John & I often shared as I'd pass that I'll always remember:
John (from under the tree) "Hey Chris"
Me: (returning to my boat) "Yeah John ... How you doing ?"
John: (smirking) "I'm good ... are your staying out of trouble ?"
Me: (also smirking) "I'm trying John but sometimes it isn't easy !"
*some variation of that joke would have us both smiling & laughing*
It is a special person that can share a laugh so often ... you'll be missed my friend ! Love & Peace to family, friends & all others who were lucky to share a joke & a smile with John !
In the last couple of years, and nearly everyday John's was the voice from under the tree that I shared conversation with ... sometimes just a few words & other times longer reminiscence of days past &/or our shared joy of classic motorcycles. I was even lucky to join him in his antique shop to see first hand the 2 wheeled beauties that he rode around the south FL highways & byways back in the day.
But it was this short Q&A that John & I often shared as I'd pass that I'll always remember:
John (from under the tree) "Hey Chris"
Me: (returning to my boat) "Yeah John ... How you doing ?"
John: (smirking) "I'm good ... are your staying out of trouble ?"
Me: (also smirking) "I'm trying John but sometimes it isn't easy !"
*some variation of that joke would have us both smiling & laughing*
It is a special person that can share a laugh so often ... you'll be missed my friend ! Love & Peace to family, friends & all others who were lucky to share a joke & a smile with John !
Dear Marlene,Michele Jeff and Family
I remember John’s kind hospitality on my visits to Florida in past years.He always made me feel so welcome.
Jerry and I are thinking of you all at this time.Please accept are sincere condolences.
I remember John’s kind hospitality on my visits to Florida in past years.He always made me feel so welcome.
Jerry and I are thinking of you all at this time.Please accept are sincere condolences.
From Jim Hyslop (Marlene's Brother, Michelle's Uncle): 03/19/2021
"John enjoyed the outdoors in particular hunting and fishing. Prior to marrying your mother John took me on a deer hunting trip (first time) up north that was most memorable because we stayed with a bunch of other hunters in a cabin in the woods (no hydro or other conveniences) where I really understood what the pioneers must have gone through when they settled the country. Although I did not shoot a deer I did shoot some grouse that I learned how to remove their breasts and cook. This John taught me. John also took me fishing at Long Point, Lake Erie where I first caught a lot of fish.
John also had a love for classic cars as I do. Prior to my getting married John helped me buy a classic car in Florida and fix it to drive it back to Toronto.
John always had a good sense of humor and a positive attitude so was a joy to converse with whenever we saw each other. He also liked hockey which I also do.
John will be missed by both myself and Micheline but I am happy he had a good long life in Florida without a lot a suffering in his later years. John and Marlene were blessed to have a son (Jeff) who has carried on his business legacy in Ft Lauderdale and a very intelligent daughter (Michelle) who is a doctor and who ensured that both her mother and father were getting the best possible care whenever health challenges occurred. "
"John enjoyed the outdoors in particular hunting and fishing. Prior to marrying your mother John took me on a deer hunting trip (first time) up north that was most memorable because we stayed with a bunch of other hunters in a cabin in the woods (no hydro or other conveniences) where I really understood what the pioneers must have gone through when they settled the country. Although I did not shoot a deer I did shoot some grouse that I learned how to remove their breasts and cook. This John taught me. John also took me fishing at Long Point, Lake Erie where I first caught a lot of fish.
John also had a love for classic cars as I do. Prior to my getting married John helped me buy a classic car in Florida and fix it to drive it back to Toronto.
John always had a good sense of humor and a positive attitude so was a joy to converse with whenever we saw each other. He also liked hockey which I also do.
John will be missed by both myself and Micheline but I am happy he had a good long life in Florida without a lot a suffering in his later years. John and Marlene were blessed to have a son (Jeff) who has carried on his business legacy in Ft Lauderdale and a very intelligent daughter (Michelle) who is a doctor and who ensured that both her mother and father were getting the best possible care whenever health challenges occurred. "
Michelle, your parents have always held a special place in my heart. I will forever be grateful for your parents welcoming my girls and me to your family after my parents died. John's sweet presence filled a chair left empty at our Thanksgiving table. My heart aches for your family's loss. A great light has been extinguished from the world, but will continue to glow in our memories.
Love and strength to you all,
Megan
Love and strength to you all,
Megan
I will forever miss Johns smile and laughter and the special bond we had together for many many years. We had the same exact birthday 10/12/30-10/12/50. The conversations at his favorite hangout - antique shop. We loved the same things in life- Everything!!
I grew to Love John as a best friend and Brother. Thank you John and Marlene for the love and friendship.
There will always be a hole in my heart for you !!
Ken
I grew to Love John as a best friend and Brother. Thank you John and Marlene for the love and friendship.
There will always be a hole in my heart for you !!
Ken
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
Dad, it's hard to believe it has been about a year since you left us. Mom reminded me today that one year ago at 5 p.m. on 03/05/2021 you had a stroke while sitting in your favorite chair under the tree outside.
We miss you and your joyful smile.
I continue to see the joy in my girls...their smiles remind me of you daily. I wish I could tell you that in person. Please know you will always hold a very special place in my heart and my life.
Love always, Michelle
We miss you and your joyful smile.
I continue to see the joy in my girls...their smiles remind me of you daily. I wish I could tell you that in person. Please know you will always hold a very special place in my heart and my life.
Love always, Michelle
In honor of my beloved husband, John, the love of my life, my friend and father of my children, who filled my life with so many treasured memories. We shared so many joys along with sorrows, as we travelled together through our journey of life. My heart and soul are with you, John, today, October 12, 2021 as we would have been celebrating your 91st Birthday. I will forever cherish our lifetime of so many wonderful memories. "Together forever"
Gallery
As the title says you will be forever missed. Thank you Marlene for also being a great friend and sharing John with me.
John will always be one of my best friends and my brother. I miss our time together. Love ya John
At BB&T Center, Panthers Game!
1999 Michelle got married with Jason Heeter.
Everyone love this smile
07/18/08 PaPa John his wife Marlene and Granddaughter Chloe.
PaPa so much happy.
Visit to Ocala
1999 Michelle got married with Jason Heeter.
John Prosje and Marlene Hyslop "Marriage on 8-31-1968 at 4.00pm".Case United Church, Glanford Township.
John Prosje and Marlene Hyslop "Marriage on 8-31-1968 at 4.00pm". Case United Church, Glanford Township.
Recent stories
Excellent host
In 1995 I attended Camp Buckskin (Ely, MN) as a camp counselor. As from the Netherlands I was able to do this because of a program called Camp America. At Camp Buckskin I met this lovely lady, Michelle. She truly was one of the people that made my time over there one to remember.
After camp I (and Dundee) got the opportunity to travel with her and her parents all the way back to Fort Lauderdale. When I first met John and Marlene Prosje, it was like having relatives from the Netherlands very closeby.
On our way to Fort Lauderdale we dropped of Michelle and headed on our way.
There are three moments I remember very well.
1. We stayed at a campingsite and when the next morning when we drove off, the antenna dish wasn't put down, so when driving by some overhanging trees, it did a little damage. There were some words that I won't put down.
2. On our way we had to get some diesel, so we entered a gasstation. When filling it up, it did not go that well and John's arms and hands got covered with diesel. We smelled it driving some miles.
3. Our journey to Fort Lauderdale wasn't straight forward. John had heard of an auction of cars, A person named Ed Weaverly passed away and his car collection was 'for sale'. He asked me and Dundee if we wanted to come along. We were eager to do so. The entrance fee was a lot to me, but he payed for it. The hallway was huge and he could tell us a lot about all the cars there. He was such a good storyteller.
Later Dundee and I had the privilege to live in one of the appartments. Every day we could come over for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One day he took us both to the antique shop, there was just room for 1 person in the front next to John, so I sat in the back of the truck. At the Antique shop he told us many stories, he showed us many wonderfull things. The Honda Goldwing was amazing to me.
Then in 2001 I went back with my wife. And again we were very welcome to stay at an appartment, we had lots of talks, also about the Netherlands.
I'm very grateful to have known John. I wish Michelle, Marlene and the rest of the family all the best.
Kus en knuffel van Martijn
After camp I (and Dundee) got the opportunity to travel with her and her parents all the way back to Fort Lauderdale. When I first met John and Marlene Prosje, it was like having relatives from the Netherlands very closeby.
On our way to Fort Lauderdale we dropped of Michelle and headed on our way.
There are three moments I remember very well.
1. We stayed at a campingsite and when the next morning when we drove off, the antenna dish wasn't put down, so when driving by some overhanging trees, it did a little damage. There were some words that I won't put down.
2. On our way we had to get some diesel, so we entered a gasstation. When filling it up, it did not go that well and John's arms and hands got covered with diesel. We smelled it driving some miles.
3. Our journey to Fort Lauderdale wasn't straight forward. John had heard of an auction of cars, A person named Ed Weaverly passed away and his car collection was 'for sale'. He asked me and Dundee if we wanted to come along. We were eager to do so. The entrance fee was a lot to me, but he payed for it. The hallway was huge and he could tell us a lot about all the cars there. He was such a good storyteller.
Later Dundee and I had the privilege to live in one of the appartments. Every day we could come over for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One day he took us both to the antique shop, there was just room for 1 person in the front next to John, so I sat in the back of the truck. At the Antique shop he told us many stories, he showed us many wonderfull things. The Honda Goldwing was amazing to me.
Then in 2001 I went back with my wife. And again we were very welcome to stay at an appartment, we had lots of talks, also about the Netherlands.
I'm very grateful to have known John. I wish Michelle, Marlene and the rest of the family all the best.
Kus en knuffel van Martijn
