Obituary for Peter van der Heyden
Today we said goodbye to an amazing husband and father. He was our hero and will forever be our source of inspiration and unconditional love.
His journey started in Holland at the age of 19 immigrating to Canada. He paved the way for so many who followed from the homeland. He then met the love of his life, Marion, and they married in 1957. A dairy farmer by trade, he found so much joy in farming and milking cows on his farm in Sheffield, Ontario. The journey brought them to Florida in the early 70's.
They managed a large poultry farm in South Florida and sold eggs door to door. Following this, was a wonderful family trip to Holland. Dad was the very essence of an entrepreneur. This led him to the Ottawa Valley, where he purchased a dairy farm and had many happy years there until his retirement in 1999.
He was knocked down several times but always got back up and moved on. Dad truly cared for everyone he met along the way. It did not matter who you were. He had time to listen and deliver his amazing take on life. If you met dad, you could expect your hand to be crushed by those massive hard-working hands.
Setting an example for his children, 16 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. He was a remarkable supportive husband, father, father-in-law, proud Opa, and Great-Opa. Never critical or judgmental, and you could always count on him to be there. Our world will turn a bit differently now. There will always be something missing. When we look in the eyes of our children and grandchildren, Dad's love will shine through forever.
Survived by our amazing mom, Marion, and kids; Coby (Mike), Jane (Bob), Andy (Janine), Peter (Linda), Marion (Walt), John (Anne), and Michelle (Jamie).
"Sweet dreams and peace in the valley."
Dad and we are all so "GELUKKIG" to have had you as a father.
His journey started in Holland at the age of 19 immigrating to Canada. He paved the way for so many who followed from the homeland. He then met the love of his life, Marion, and they married in 1957. A dairy farmer by trade, he found so much joy in farming and milking cows on his farm in Sheffield, Ontario. The journey brought them to Florida in the early 70's.
They managed a large poultry farm in South Florida and sold eggs door to door. Following this, was a wonderful family trip to Holland. Dad was the very essence of an entrepreneur. This led him to the Ottawa Valley, where he purchased a dairy farm and had many happy years there until his retirement in 1999.
He was knocked down several times but always got back up and moved on. Dad truly cared for everyone he met along the way. It did not matter who you were. He had time to listen and deliver his amazing take on life. If you met dad, you could expect your hand to be crushed by those massive hard-working hands.
Setting an example for his children, 16 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. He was a remarkable supportive husband, father, father-in-law, proud Opa, and Great-Opa. Never critical or judgmental, and you could always count on him to be there. Our world will turn a bit differently now. There will always be something missing. When we look in the eyes of our children and grandchildren, Dad's love will shine through forever.
Survived by our amazing mom, Marion, and kids; Coby (Mike), Jane (Bob), Andy (Janine), Peter (Linda), Marion (Walt), John (Anne), and Michelle (Jamie).
"Sweet dreams and peace in the valley."
Dad and we are all so "GELUKKIG" to have had you as a father.