John Herman teBraake

John Herman teBraake, of Kentville, formally of Lower Wolfville, passed away in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville on Monday, April 15, 2024, one day shy of his 98^th birthday, having celebrated it now in heaven with his beloved late wife, Dorothy. Born in Groenlo, Netherlands, he was the son of the late Anthony and Bernadine (Baack) teBraake.

Together with his wife, Dorothy, they immigrated to Canada in 1955. Upon arrival, he worked on a farm on Church Street. Despite language barriers, his employer soon realized he had hired a "natural farmer", who knew instinctively what to do. It wasn’t long before both John and Dorothy were employed on a chicken and egg farm in Canning, NS. Then, an opportunity arose to purchase a farm on the Eye Road in Lower Wolfville. After purchasing the farm, they soon realized they had to expand, but money was an issue. Both John and Dorothy appreciated local businesses who trusted these young, ambitious new immigrants with John’s word that all unpaid bills would be honored. These trusting relationships remained lifelong, and some became friends. Over the years, they developed this small farm into a prosperous dairy and poultry enterprise.

Both John and Dorothy were very involved in the St. Francis Catholic Church community. John was on the original construction committee for the church hall and maintenance for both the church and hall. The cemetery was diligently cared for by John for many years. Both John and Dorothy distributed communion to nursing home residents and shut ins.

He was a gifted woodworker who created, not only clerical furniture for St. Francis that is still in use today, but also many useful items and toys that his extended family still treasures today. There were also many secret recipients of his generosity. He enjoyed travelling with his wife and close relatives, and getting together weekly for card games, which he enjoyed until his dying day. John was an avid hockey fan and also enjoyed public skating at the Acadia arena.

He is survived by his sisters, Truus, Kentville; Diny and Coos, Holland; and Agnes, Luxembourg. He was predeceased by brothers, Theo, Bennie and Harry; sisters, Riek, Marie, Anneke, Mientje and Margriet. He was a beloved uncle to many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. He was a special Opa to Peter, Elizabeth, Erin and Nathan.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17 with prayers starting at 7:40 p.m. in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. The Funeral Mass (with a livestream available) will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Kentville, with a reception to follow. Father John MacPherson officiating. Interment will take place in St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Cemetery, Ridge Road.

Donations in memory may be made to a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. To view the livestream and for online condolences or inquiries please visit: www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.