171 Ailsa Craig Main Street | Ailsa Craig, Ontario N0M 1A0 | Phone: (519) 293-3331 | Email: office@dennings.ca
Tribute Wall
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Carlien Hofland lit a candle
Saturday, November 16, 2024
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Dear brother Hein,
This will be the last letter that we as brothers and sisters can send to you to say goodbye to you as our eldest brother.
We briefly reflect on your life story here in Holland and Canada.
You were born on November 3, 1932 in Tilburg as the first son in a young family where three sisters were already present. After you, two more girls arrived, so you spent the first years of your life with five sisters and your mother, who undoubtedly spoiled you. For a better balance, five brothers and two sisters were added. A large family with thirteen children.
In October 1934, father was appointed mayor of Baarle-Nassau, where the family spent a number of very happy years. That's when all your interest in farming started with the Van Beek family. In May 1940, father was given an appointment in a larger place. A few days later the Germans invaded our country and the family faced a number of difficult years.
In the large garden behind the house you had your own garden with your younger sister Els. There were many animals such as a pig, a goat, rabbits, chickens, pigeons, a dog and an aviary with birds that were caught in the wild.
After high school you went to agricultural and horticultural school to become skilled in the agricultural sector. After the war there were no good prospects for finding work here, so you left for Canada with many other Dutch people to try your luck there. You went on a boat from the Holland America line and the whole family stood on the quay to wave you goodbye.
In Canada you moved into the home of the Hodgins family, where you stayed for many years. In the beginning, the letters home came regularly, much to the delight of mother, who had a lot of difficulty with the fact that you were so far away.
Once every three years you came to Holland to visit us and you went with father and mother and quite reluctantly to all the uncles and aunts to pay them a visit.
Gradually the time between letters and visits increased and your life was clearly in your beloved Canada. During your last visit here, we visited the war cemetery in Groesbeek where many young Canadian soldiers are buried, who died in the second World War II gave their lives for the liberation of our country. You were very moved to see those long rows of white crosses and you had clearly become a Canadian.
We were happy to see that you felt completely at home in the Parkhill community in Canada and that they even rewarded you with an award for your commitment to the community. We were very proud of you.
We would like to thank all your friends for the friendship they have given you all these years. That's why you had such a good time in Canada.
Our special thanks go to your good friend Jeff Mc Gee who has made contact between you and us possible via email for many years.
Dear Hein, you were a nice guy and even though you were far away from us for so long, we will miss you now that you are gone. In addition to you, we also remember our parents and the brothers and sisters who preceded you. May you rest in peace with them.
On behalf of all brothers and sisters,
your youngest brother Frits.
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Coen Hofland posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
We are very sorry that Hein has passed away. He was very happy in Canada, we thank Jeff and his family for all his help during his stay at his home.
Coen and Marianne Hofland
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Paul Augustine posted a condolence
Monday, November 11, 2024
I have many memories of Hein, all the years of doing Parkhill Silver Stick which helped me, get into the Sarnia Lambton Sports Hall of Fame. And also, the North Middlesex Stars where I spent the team's first 24 years doing games. Thanks for the memories Hein.
Paul Augustine,
2012 Sarnia Lambton Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
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Paul Engels lit a candle
Sunday, November 10, 2024
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Hi as a cousin I hardly new Hein. He left to Canada before I was Born. But seeing his picture I recognize my grandfather in It. My condolances for everyone that knew him well
D
Dan Masfrankc posted a condolence
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Hein was like an older brother to me. We spent many a day boating, snowmobiling and vacationing with family… Such cherished memories I will always keep in my heart. His friendship is a treasured gift. Love you big guy! Dan
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E.P.G.M.H. Weerelt - Hofland posted a condolence
Saturday, November 9, 2024
In Paradisum deducant te Angeli !
Requiescat in Pace.
We are missing a nice brother, but he was very happy in Canada.
Else van Weerelt-Hofland.
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Frank and Rita Vander Kant posted a condolence
Saturday, November 9, 2024
So of Hein passing he was a great guy and did a lot for hockey with the girls. RIP Hein
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Gil and Josy uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 9, 2024
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A great friend will be missed
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Marion Smith uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 9, 2024
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Hein back in 1959, Dad and Hein, Hein's birthday, Celebrating Hein's birthday at Amy's.
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Doug and Marion Smith ( Van Massenhoven) lit a candle
Saturday, November 9, 2024
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Our condolences to Hein's family, friends and the many, many people that knew Hein and got to know him from the time he arrived in Canada until now when he has gone home to join family, friends, and so many more that have crossed his path and have gone ahead.
Coming from a large family Hein had a big heart, worked hard, became involved and touched so many people with his contagious smile and laugh. Although Hein was not married and did not have his own children, he became a part of many families through his kindness, generosity and his dedicated time he gave. ( the miles that he put on this vehicle - hockey tournaments, games out of town, etc)
Joining the Hodgins Family when he first came to Canada meant a lot to him and he was a regular visitor at our home and a great friend. His time was not only work, but volunteering for so many Hockey teams (coaching) Silver Stick Events, and enjoying his boat and the Company that he took out with him on the water. When Hein joined the McGee Farm Services he became a big part of their family. Thank you Anne Marie Beaudoin (McGee) for all the time that you organized with others, to make sure Hein was comfortable and well cared for from the time he joined your Family Business until his recent passing.
Hein was Loved By All and will be Missed by Many.
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Annie Rutten posted a condolence
Saturday, November 9, 2024
My condolences, Hein will always have a special place in my heart. He was such a good man.
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Muriel van Maanen-Engels posted a condolence
Saturday, November 9, 2024
My condolences to all who loved Hein as a brother or as a friend. I remember him as a warm and kind person. When I was in Toronto in 1978, he came all the way to visit me, which I found very special as it was a four hour drive. For dutch people, that is quite an effort! It was nice to see him again on the nephew and nieces day that his brother Coen organised form him in Teteringen, Holland. I think this was about 15 years ago, and that was the last time we met.
Best wishes to you all.
Muriel van Maanen-Engels
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Barb and Pat Tulpin posted a condolence
Friday, November 8, 2024
Our condolences to all. Hein was a wonderful man who my husband and I enjoyed long chats with. I would take him homemade lasagna and tins of homemade cookies which he always told he needed more of. He kept every plate I took the food on....lol. we camped near Sombra for many years and were never shocked to see Hein at least once a summer driving along the river. May you rest in peace Hein. You will be missed.
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Paul posted a condolence
Friday, November 8, 2024
My condolances for all who were close to Hein. As one of the cousins I know him in fact more of stories then of real contact. But seeing his picture I recognize my grandfather in It. I am happy to hear he was loved and wish all close relatives the best.
J
Julie McLinchey posted a condolence
Friday, November 8, 2024
Hein was the best neighbour!! I was fortunate to live beside him for years. He planted flowers in my flowerbeds when he felt they were too bare, and noticed I didn’t have his favourites. He called me the little Dutch girl because I grew tulips that he loved but didn’t grow himself. He was a kind a generous man, that will never be forgotten.
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Ila Joris posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, November 8, 2024
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I’ve known Hein for many years, always that same smile. Last time I saw him was at Amy’s of course, where he basically ordered the same meal all the time. Interesting part for me was that as soon as he arrived he would place his order & immediately get out his money to pay to the exact amount plus the correct tip. Always enjoyed our little chats. May you RIP Hein.
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The family of Heindrik Fredrick Dirk Paul Hofland uploaded a photo
Friday, November 8, 2024
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