Adrianus "Adrian/Janus" Hendrikus de Graaf
1950-2025
Adrianus "Adrian/Janus" Hendrikus de Graaf, 75, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2025, after his 12-year battle with cancer. He was born on June 10, 1950 to John and Cornelia (van den Diepstraten) de Graaf. Born in Rijsbergen, Netherlands the family later immigrated to Canada in 195l.
Adrian is survived by his wife Deborah (Ansems, nee Wagner), and children Nicholas (Trudy), Danielle (Anthony) (mother Janet Swift), Mark Ansems (Sheri) and Nicki Ansems (Jason). Adrian is survived by 10 grandchildren: Malorie (Sam), Evan, Vanessa, Tyler, Chelsea, Drew, Aaron, Dominic, Joshua and Alex; great-grandchildren, West, Gavin, Addilyn and Carter.
He is survived also by brothers, Henk (Linda) and Peter (Stephanie) and sister, Catharina "Toosey" (late Gerard) Ansems; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Adrian is predeceased by his stepmother (OMA), Maria Elisabeth de Graaf (Scheenen) and his brother Kees (Irma).
Adrian was devoted to his wife and children, providing them with a farming lifestyle that offered freedom, space and security. He purchased the farm in Lower Canard from his father, John, and ultimately named it Applefeather Farm which produced turkey and chicken, as well as fruit from his apple and pear orchards.
In 1986 he and Janet were awarded the Atlantic Region Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer for 1986. Following in his father’s footsteps he became involved with the Nova Scotia Turkey Marketing Agency which resulted in holding various positions (including Chairman) at the Canadian Turkey Marketing Agency from 1984 through 1992.
In 2001 Adrian married Deborah and together they enjoyed a thoroughly wonderful life. They beamed with pride when their children presented them with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
As a young man in his teens, he discovered that he cared deeply and passionately for the game of golf. KenWo Golf Course became his second home. He became proficient at the game and over his 60 years of golfing won the title of Junior Champ, Men’s Champ and Senior Men’s Champ for KenWo as well and Provincial Senior Men’s Champ for Nova Scotia. During Adrian’s golfing career he achieved four holes in one.
Adrian enjoyed years and years of travel to many parts of the world, either through business or pleasure. His travels included all across Canada, the US, the United Kingdom, numerous places in Europe, southern tropical islands, China, New Zealand and Australia.
A celebration of his life will be held on June 24, 2025 at the KenWo Golf Course for a drop-in from 1 pm to 4 pm to allow family and friends to gather for a social time to share memories of Adrian and enjoy some refreshments.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Valley Regional Hospital, the Palliative Care team from Nova Scotia Health or any other charity of your choice.