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a source for latest news, developments and reputable documentation and research on gambling. You'll find many helpful resources and links for anti-gambling advocates.

9/30/2009: Johannes Deviet

For 12 years Gambling Watch Global Ontario and Gambling Watch Canada has been run by a couple of faithful volunteers who picked up a challenge from the social arm of a Canadian denomination to educate and inform the public about the various issues surrounding gambling.

One of the few people to step up was Johannes Deviet.

Johannes is a holocaust survivor orphaned at the age of five Dutch, lived in Holland, and was pressed into service by the Germans around age 16. After WWII, he joined Dutch army, and was sent to Indonesia. After his service he came to Canada and made a life for himself. (thank you for the correction on Johannes early life - Admin)
He raised a family and spent his retirement giving freely to others.
With deep passion and keen intellect he has worked to inform thousands of people around the world about the harm of gambling to government and citizens.
Having raised his family, and being active in his local community, he took up the challenge and responsibility of educating, watching and warning of the dangers of gambling, as only a dedicated volunteer can.

Johannes has touched the lives of countless people.
Johannes spoke three languages, English is not his first and he worked hard at writing well.
He knew he could be obsessive about his calling, and was careful to be quick with kindness and gracious toward his fellow volunteers, and was ruefully apologetic when he believed he could do more.
Johannes was always respectful to those who contacted him, humbly and innocently unaware of how copious and valuable his knowledge was.

He taught himself to use a computer, and along with other volunteers who have received no financial support and little encouragement, threw himself into developing a gambling watch newsletter which went to politicians, gambling research experts, churches and concerned citizens.
It was unique, ahead of it’s time and timely.
When Gambling Watch Global was set up, it was our privilege and honour to carry his newsletter and his commentary.

The past several months Johannes health has been deteriorating.

A few months ago he stopped what had been an urgent call and passionate joy in his life.
The arduous work of his newsletter was too much for him, and at age 84, ill and weary, he knew it was time to lay it down. He ended his newsletter as he began it. With dignity.

Johannes is now in hospital.
As fellow volunteers and friends we want to honour and applaud his dedication and faithfulness.
It has been a privilege to work with him, in his most stressed and overwhelmed moments, he was never too busy to reach out to anyone needing his expertise.

He has taught us a great deal about staying the course and our hearts go out to his family.

As his voice stills, we want to say thank you Johannes.
We call out well done, you have been a tenacious advocate, a steady and loyal friend, and example of a compassionate and engaged citizen. We have been honoured and proud to have walked with you.

Go in peace Johannes, thank you for giving all of us your all.