CORNELIUS ‘CORNIE’ DE JONG, beloved husband of Sharon De Jong of Lethbridge, AB passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, May 4, 2009 at the age of 68 years. He is the father of: Carmen (Steve) Mack, Bruce De Jong (Christina), and Mark De Jong (Tania) all of Lethbridge, AB; four grandchildren, Jazna and Dakota Mack, Chloe’ De Jong and Markus De Jong. He is also survived by two brothers and three sisters, Harvey De Jong, Peter (Joyce) De Jong, Diane (Keith) Hubbard, Marguerite (Phil) Walshe, Joanne (Derrick) Fritz and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents Gerrit and Lena. Born in Lethbridge, AB, raised and educated in Nobleford, AB. Cornie enjoyed his welding millwright career which he turned into a meticulous profession. Taking his apprentice training through Noble Cultivators. Cornie advanced to becoming the Millwright welder for Canada Packers, moving onward and upward to Palliser Distillers where he learned the craft of working with stainless steel. Always in need of challenges Cornie left Palliser to culminate his chosen career with the Chinook Regional Hospital system retiring at the age of 66, following 18 years of faithful service with the hospital service ensuring the effective and efficient maintenance of the entire Southern region, a task he thoroughly enjoyed. Throughout his life but particularly in his retirement Cornie’s family, especially his grandchildren were first and foremost with true pleasures and enjoyment being able to work at and accomplish projects and tasks for them. Cornie would never miss an opportunity to make a new friend or strengthen the bonds with those whom he had a lifetime of experiences. All to whom he was dear will sadly miss Cornie. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 10:00 - 11:30 A.M. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. at FIRST UNITED CHURCH, 502 - 13th Street North Lethbridge, AB, with Reverend Elizabeth Brown officiating. In Memory of Cornie, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, #207, 542 7th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2H1.