With hearts full of love and peace the family of Henk de Boef would like to let his friends and loved ones know of his peaceful passing on Saturday, July 25th.
After 2 years of courageously managing a progressive lung disease, Henk softly slipped away and joined the Lord surrounded by his nearest family. He passed as he had lived – always thinking about others – he made sure everyone could be there when he left us. Henk was a proud and successful farmer, a family man and a true friend who always lived and was guided by his Christian faith. He touched the lives of all of those he came into contact with.
Born and raised in the Netherlands together with his siblings Corrie, Kees, Ria and Regina, he took care of his family farm from a very young age when his own father died young. Marriage to Anke was the start of a very happy 57 years together as a loving team. Together they decided to embark on the adventure of immigrating to Canada. Learning a new language, new farming methods and navigating a new society and culture was not always easy but never regretted. Soon Henk became a proud Canadian and continued his valuable work as an elder in the churches he became a member of.
His dear wife, loving children Esther (Noboru), AJ (Michelle), and Maria (Lincoln), and 10 adoring grandchildren – Corrina (Darius), Mar, Jackson (Sara), Enrique, Laura (Octavi), Myla (Jay), Tyas, Carlota, Charles and Felicity, feel so blessed for all the years with such a wise, sweet and fun husband, Dad, Papa & Opa. He shared his values, wide knowledge and farming expertise to the next generations. His sisters, brothers- and sisters-in-law remember him with much love and fondness and his nieces and nephews remember their uncle as fun, open, special and in many cases, favourite uncle. Friends and all of those he ever counselled or simply talked, worked and played with will remember his generous spirit, insightful mind and sense of humour. We will miss him and celebrate having had him in our lives.
The family would like to sincerely thank all of those who have reached out to us during his illness and the last few days.
Henk rested at Rushnell Funeral Home – Picton Chapel, 33 Main Street (613-476-2450). Private burial with family at Glenwood Cemetery. A Celebration of Henk’s Life will take place on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Bloomfield at 2:00 pm with one hour of visitation prior. Pastor Peter Spragg to officiate. If desired, donations to the PECMH Foundation or the Belleville Pregnancy and Family Care Centre would be appreciated. For online condolences or to share memories of Henk, please visit: www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com