Hendrik "Hank" Bosveld

Hendrik "Hank" Bosveld, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, at Grand View Manor in Berwick, Nova Scotia, to be reunited with his beloved wife, Hetty, who predeceased him after 68 years of marriage. Hank was born on May 6, 1932, in Westervoort, The Netherlands. Together, Hank and Hetty built a strong and loving family that remained the center of their lives. Hank lived a long and remarkable life defined by faith, hard work, service, and a deep love for family and community. Hank grew up in Holland during the war, went to Agricultural College with the lifelong dream of owning a farm. He immigrated to Canada in 1952 with $100 in his pocket with the determination to start a new life and journey. Hank was well known throughout the community as the owner of Holts Hardware in Canning, where he served customers with integrity, knowledge, and a friendly smile. After the hardware store, Hank was involved in various agricultural endeavors including Crop Insurance, Massey Ferguson equipment sales and the Department of Environment. In 1981, following his lifelong passion for farming, he purchased a farm in Lakeville. There, alongside his eldest son, Dirk, he operated a successful fruit and vegetable farm, taking great pride in working the land and contributing to Nova Scotia’s agricultural community. Community involvement was an important part of Hank’s life. He was a dedicated member of the Canning Lions Club where he also served as President, President of the Flower Cart in New Minas, and sitting on the Kings County Municipal Planning Advisory Committee on land use. His commitment to agriculture extended beyond his own farm, as he actively participated in several agricultural organizations and boards, including the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board, Federation of Agriculture Co-Chairman, Hort Nova Scotia Chairman, and a member of the Strawberry Growers. Through these roles, he helped support and strengthen the farming community he loved believing in the importance of "Buy Local" and being a good steward of the land. Hank’s Christian faith was the foundation of his life and was evident in everything he did. He was a founding member of the Kentville Christian Reformed Church and faithfully served as an elder for many years. Through his leadership, service, and quiet example, he touched the lives of many within his church and community. His faith guided his relationships, his work, and his commitment to helping others. Hank will be remembered for his strong work ethic, quiet determination, generosity, steadfast faith, and unwavering devotion to his family. Whether helping a customer at the hardware store, tending crops in the fields, serving his church and community, or spending time with loved ones, he approached life with purpose, humility, and kindness. His wisdom, gentle spirit, and faithful example will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him. Though his passing leaves a profound void, Hank’s legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the community he served, the church he helped build, and the values he instilled in future generations. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. He is survived by his five children: Anita (Patrick), Janice, Dirk (Karen), Eric (Kelley), and Paul (Kerry); 12 cherished grandchildren; 15 treasured great-grandchildren; his brother, Gerard, his sister-in-law, Toos, both of Holland; and many nieces and nephews here and in Holland. Hank was predeceased by his wife Hetty, two brothers in The Netherlands and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law in both Canada and The Netherlands. Many thanks to his second family, the staff of Grand View Manor for the outstanding and loving care of our father. A celebration of Hank’s life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at White Family Funeral Home in Kentville, with a reception to follow. Following the reception, Hank and Hetty will take their final earthly journey together to Lakeville Cemetery for interment. Pastor Angela Pound will officiate. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend as they gather to remember, honor, and celebrate a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local food bank or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.