June 10, 1968 – August 30, 2026
It is with profound sadness that the family of Timothy Clarence VanDerWeide announces his passing on August 30, 2026, following a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
Tim was a lifelong resident of Fenwick, Ontario, and was a man deeply rooted in his family, his community, and the values of hard work, loyalty, and service.
Tim is survived by his beloved wife, Karen VanDerWeide; his children, Tim and his wife Taylor, Christopher and his wife Victoria, Michael DeLuca and his wife Jodi, and Elisha DeLuca-Sheldrake and her husband Jeffy.
He was the much-loved “Papa Flow” to his grandchildren Callum, Sutton, Emmitt, Avery, Lauryn, James, Lila and Andy. Being a grandfather brought Tim immense pride and joy, and his grandchildren knew him by a name that was uniquely theirs.
He is also survived by his parents, Spike and Donalda VanDerWeide; his sisters, Shelley Dressel and her husband Kirk, and Beverly Yungblut and her husband Terry; his mother-in-law, Sharon Robbins; his sister-in-law, Theresa Wedekind and her husband Mike; his brothers-in-law, Stephen Robbins and his wife Gail, and John Robbins and his wife Ada; and also his sister-in-law, Janet Manns & husband Dave.
Tim was a proud uncle to Isaiah, Zachary, Daniel, Haley, Kyle, Regan, Tony, Brette, Taylor, Jordan, Aaron, Travis, Eric, John and Tamara.
He was predeceased by his brother, Gerrit VanDerWeide; his father-in-law, Murray Robbins; his brother-in-law, Terry Woodwards; and his nephew, Lee Martin.
For 37 years, Tim proudly served his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Fenwick Fire Department Station #2, ultimately serving as Captain. The fire service was far more than something Tim did — it was a part of who he was. He took enormous pride in serving his community, maintaining the hall, looking after the trucks and equipment, and being part of the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service. His commitment to the Fenwick Fire Department spanned much of his adult life and was one of his proudest accomplishments.
His service to the community extended beyond the fire hall. Tim also spent more than a decade volunteering as a leader, Akela, with the 1st Fenwick Boy Scouts troop, giving his time to many young people in the community.
Professionally, Tim worked as a truck driver with Neil McCollum Ltd. & then Brant Co-Op. Driving truck suited him well. He was hardworking, dependable, practical, and happiest when he had something to do and somewhere to be.
Tim worked hard for everything he had and never expected life to hand him anything. Those who knew him will remember his work ethic, his determination, his sense of humour, and, of course, the unmistakable bright red hair that made him recognizable around town for most of his life.
He enjoyed the simple things that made life his own: keeping his lawn just right, driving his truck, firefighting, blacksmithing, camping and fishing. But above all else, Tim loved his family. His devotion to his wife, his children and his grandchildren was at the centre of his life.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. A. Balitsky and the staff at Juravinski Hospital for their care throughout Tim’s illness, as well as the Mark Preece Family House for their support along the way. Also, Colleen and Jocelyn, his Palliative Care team nurses, for the kindness, compassion and support they provided to him and the family during his final days. To Dr. Paolo Oliverio & his wife, Carmela, for all the attentive care & emotional support over the last 2 years. Finally, to the countless friends & family that went out of their way endlessly to help out with appointments, driving, support & love from day one. The family would also like to thank Lampman Funeral Home in Fenwick for their compassionate guidance, support, and cremation services during this difficult time.
A Celebration of Life for Tim will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 3-7PM at the Fenwick Firehall, a place that held such an important place in his life. Family, friends, fellow firefighters, and members of the community are warmly invited to gather together to share stories, memories, and laughter as we celebrate a life defined by family, hard work, friendship, and service to others.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made toward the establishment of an annual local bursary in Tim’s name through the Firefighters Association, so that his commitment to service and community can continue to have an impact for years to come.
“After 37 years of dedicated service to the Town of Pelham and the citizens he so proudly protected, Captain 205 has answered his final alarm.
His duty is complete. His service, leadership, and commitment will never be forgotten.
Captain 205, you are clear from service. Rest easy, Captain. We’ll take it from here.
Captain 205, End of Watch.”