June 21, 2022
In Memoriam — Hendrik Kobes
Hendrik "Henk" Kobes died peacefully in his home with loved ones by his side, on June 8, 2022. He was 93.
Born in The Netherlands, Kobes emigrated to Canada in 1951. In 1965, together with his wife Aly, Henk started Henk Kobes Nurseries Ltd., and they retired in 1999. The business then became Kobes Nurseries Inc., owned, and operated by their son, Ben.
In addition to being a nursery man for 34 years, Hendrik also had a love for woodcarving. He spent many hours in his home workshop creating beautifully crafted relief carvings, wood sculptures, and finely carved wooden furniture. He also had a passion for gardening, travel, and antiquing. In his later years he documented his family history and life experiences in an extensive memoir for his family and future generations. Henk was a supporter of Christian education and a lifetime member of Rehoboth Christian Reformed Church where he served on church council as Elder, Deacon, and Clerk. Henk also spent 18 years volunteering for community care — both visiting with and driving for people in need. Henk lived a long and full life. He was deeply committed to family, church, and community and had an enduring faith and trust in God. He was thoughtful and curious, funny, and creative, generous, and kind. He approached his life with gratitude. We, as a family would like to express our deep gratitude to dad's team of caregivers who showed compassionate support and care during the last few years of his life. This enabled him to live and remain in his own home.
Henk is predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Aly Kobes.
Their legacy includes a growing family of six children, 19 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.
Kobes is survived by his sister Diny and predeceased by his brothers, Wim, Barend, Guus, and Arnold.
Condolences, donations and a tribute wall can be found online.
Born in The Netherlands, Kobes emigrated to Canada in 1951. In 1965, together with his wife Aly, Henk started Henk Kobes Nurseries Ltd., and they retired in 1999. The business then became Kobes Nurseries Inc., owned, and operated by their son, Ben.
In addition to being a nursery man for 34 years, Hendrik also had a love for woodcarving. He spent many hours in his home workshop creating beautifully crafted relief carvings, wood sculptures, and finely carved wooden furniture. He also had a passion for gardening, travel, and antiquing. In his later years he documented his family history and life experiences in an extensive memoir for his family and future generations. Henk was a supporter of Christian education and a lifetime member of Rehoboth Christian Reformed Church where he served on church council as Elder, Deacon, and Clerk. Henk also spent 18 years volunteering for community care — both visiting with and driving for people in need. Henk lived a long and full life. He was deeply committed to family, church, and community and had an enduring faith and trust in God. He was thoughtful and curious, funny, and creative, generous, and kind. He approached his life with gratitude. We, as a family would like to express our deep gratitude to dad's team of caregivers who showed compassionate support and care during the last few years of his life. This enabled him to live and remain in his own home.
Henk is predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Aly Kobes.
Their legacy includes a growing family of six children, 19 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.
Kobes is survived by his sister Diny and predeceased by his brothers, Wim, Barend, Guus, and Arnold.
Condolences, donations and a tribute wall can be found online.
Hendrik Kobes