Obituary of TONY VAN DEN HURK

VAN DEN HURK – Antonius Hubertus (Tony) – went to his heavenly home on Monday, December 6, 2021, in his 95th year. Born in Helmond, The Netherlands on June 20, 1927, he immigrated to Canada in 1951. He returned to The Netherlands in 1956 and fell for the young neighbour girl who had grown up to be a beautiful young woman in his absence. They married in 1958 and returned to Canada, which had become his home. Although he loved dairy cattle, tobacco farming presented a great opportunity, which he embraced. He and Gerda raised six children on their farm in Norfolk County. He is survived by his loving wife Gerda of 63 years; children Nori (& Mike), Anita (& Steve), Anton (& Maureen), Petra, Joseph (& Maxine), Martin (& Laura); grandchildren Anika, Tess; Trevor (& Laura), Stefanie (& Jeff), Nigel (& Gabriela), Emily; Monica (& Sina), Kelly, Sarah, Anthony; Jenna, Christopher (& Bronwyn), Ana, Lily; Stephen, Maxine (& Chris); Zoe (& Joe), Malcolm, Angus, Emme; great-grandchildren Annalee; Mila; Sophie, Cole; son-in-law Craig; brother Louis in the Netherlands; several brothers & sisters in-law in Canada, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents Antoon & Norberta; his brothers Martinus, Piet, Jan, Huub, Harry, Jeff; sisters Anna, Riek; and several brothers & sisters in-law. Tony was an avid competitor. He learned to play cards at a young age, sitting on his grandmother’s lap. He in turn, shared this passion with his grandchildren. He loved to play socially and competitively - always welcoming a feisty game with his children and grandchildren! He continued playing cards to his end. Tony also enjoyed playing & coaching soccer, and in retirement became an active member of the Simcoe Seniors Centre and the Simcoe Lawn Bowling Club. He enjoyed his travels across the province to attend tournaments, and to interact with others that loved to live life to the fullest. His retirement was also filled with working on the farm – from driving tractor to cutting grass – his holiday time, he called it. With immense gratitude, we thank and send blessings to all the caregivers who enabled us to keep him home, surrounded by his family’s love. A private family visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will be held. Interment Greenwood Cemetery, Waterford. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated by the family, to PAMBE Ghana, a charity near and dear to Tony and Gerda. PAMBE Ghana, supported by the Canadian organization “Rainbow of Hope for Children Society”, is a charity which provides health, nutrition, and sanitation to students in a northern community in Ghana, Africa. Gerda’s nephew and wife live in Africa and are directly involved and committed to the aid of children. https://pambeghana.org/rainbow-of-hope-for-children-provides-funding/ Arrangements entrusted with Thompson-Mott Funeral Home (519-443-5332) www.thompsonmottfuneralhome.com