Monday, September 2, 2024
Dear André,
We go a long way back, but we remember the time that you entered the Hagenvoort household well. Since Annemiek was the eldest, we as teenagers found a lover in the house very interesting.
Soon after your wedding, you emigrated to Tanzania together. There, you experienced a very special period in your life. This included hard work, and starting a family. And with that came lots of responsibilities. But certainly also a party in Arusha or Lokisale every now and then.
At that time, we communicated mainly through letters delivered by airmail. And Oma Hagenvoort was the one who passed everything on to the rest of the family, so that everyone stayed up to date.
There, you were often visited by family members which you welcomed with open arms. These were the best times! Every time you drove the Land Rover through the Serengeti for us, which was so special! However, Annemiek had seen enough of all those wildebeasts and zebras and sat beside us, reading the Libelle magazine we brought from home. And every summer you came back to the Netherlands. A great time to catch up, also for our children and yours.
But farming for others was not enough. Your ultimate dream was to have your own farm. Grow your own crops and build your own business. That dream made you save money and look, and apply for visa, all over the globe. Even as far as New Zealand. Our parents were very relieved that you settled in Canada. It was far away, but not the other side of the world.
And what came of that dream. You built a potato farm like no other. And laid a solid foundation for the Lankhuijzen family in Ontario. You worked very hard and were willing to take risks, but you also made sure to enjoy the good times. And yes, a lot of that good time was spent with family members who came to visit.
After all the hard work, watching TV was one of your favorite ways to relax. You liked all sorts of shows and you were always up to date when it came to the news and current affairs. But your guilty pleasure was definitely Coronation Street and... what a coincidence: Boer Zoekt Vrouw.
After moving to your new house, you remained fully involved in the farm. "The hard part of it, is letting it go" you said in a report about the farm. Probably most entrepreneurs would agree. And a farmer's work is never done. But you must leave it now. You built a wonderful firm. With a bright future ahead. And a well trained successor.
Unfortunately, your life has come to an end many years too soon. But, you lived your life to the fullest. Spent on no less than three continents, it was an adventurous and exciting life, that you were willing to share with us. Chasing your passion, building your life's work. Surrounded by your loved ones. Who joined you every step of the way, and gave you their unconditional support.
We mourn your passing and our thoughts go out to Annemiek, Reinira, Scott, Annemarie, Duane, Anselm, Anita and your grandchildren.
Bennie, Rita, Ria, Cor, Hermien, Jack, Reinira, Gerard, Gerdie, Vincent, Harry, Annemiek en kinderen
