Arij Lans "Harry" Bovenberg

April 13, 1928. - February 9, 2022

Arij Lans Bovenberg lived a long and full life. After 7 1/2 weeks in hospital with failing lungs, our Dad was welcomed into his heavenly home. He was received with love and celebration with the open arms of his Saviour, Jesus. Arij Lans was a man of deep faith and trust in his Creator. He was also a man of the earth. Growing flowers became his business soon after he emigrated to Canada with his bride, Janny. He worked in greenhouses in the Netherlands, then served his country as a Marine.

After his service, Arij en Janny were married and emigrated to Canada in May 1951. Dad worked very hard and was well respected.

Our parents were the only ones in Canada from both sides of the family so making friends and inviting them over made life fun and meaningful. Hospitality was a huge gift as well as something our parents enjoyed very much. Maintaining the ties to family in the Netherlands was important to them as well. They were happy to travel to the Netherlands 40 times to catch up with their loved ones and celebrate milestone occasions. This was a welcome break from the daily pace of running a business, growing good quality flowers and potted mums, as well as raising a family of 5 children. Arij had a sharp mind and was keen to keep learning. Arij was nourished by many rich and deep conversations with friends and family. He stayed up to date with the new technologies and computer programs, was meticulous in his bookkeeping and loved making detailed plans. His passion was Christian education for his children and for generations to come. He made many sacrifices to see Christian school, high school and university be established in Ontario.

He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of honest hard work, a pioneering spirit and devoted love of his one and only sweetheart, our mother, Janny, who predeceased him on May 1, 2020. Mom and Dad had 69 wonderful years together and will be remembered by their children Connie (Tony) Dryfhout, Frank (Joanne) Bovenberg, Betty (Simon) Roeleveld, Rita (Wes) DeGier, and Ingrid (Rob) van Staalduinen. 16 grandchildren (1 predeceased),and 20 great-grandchildren (1 predeceased). We love you Dad and Grandpa, you will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13

Donations in memory of Arij Lans Bovenberg can be made to Holland Christian Homes - dementia care


https://www.hch.ca/donate/