Obituary of MARTIN EMANUEL VAN DEN HURK

“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love.  It’s all the love you want to give but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.” Jamie Anderson

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Martin Van Den Hurk, age 53, on December 30, 2022.  Martin leaves behind his loving wife of 25 years, Laura, who he met while attending university in Waterloo, and their four beautiful children: Zoe, Malcolm, Angus and Emme. His greatest loves were his family, his farm, his faith, hard rock music (especially AC/DC) and rugby. He was a dedicated father and family man.  Whether milking cows and making butter to provide wholesome food for his family, practicing jujitsu with his kids, or teaching young rugby enthusiasts, he loved life wholeheartedly. Rugby gave him great camaraderie and the outlet to keep the kid in him alive and well. Rugby also gave him Joe, a dear friend to Martin and a partner to Zoe.  Martin was dearly loved by his family of origin. They were fortunate enough to have their Boxing Day Christmas gathering at his home just a few days before he passed, enjoying his homecooked specialties and a fierce game of spoons. He will be dearly missed by Nori (Mike), Anita (Steve), Anton (Maureen), Petra, Joseph (Maxine), his brother-in-law Craig and his many nieces and nephews. His dad, Tony, though he died last December, was so proud that Martin had carried on the generations long Van Den Hurk/Gubbels tradition of farming. They shared the love of the land and raising a family. His mom, Gerda, will miss his visits and his beautiful smile and mourns outliving a child that was held so dear.  He will also be missed by his brother-in-law Dave, and parents-in-law Pat and George Marfei.  A visitation to share memories and condolences will be held at the Thompson-Mott Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, January the 6^th. A funeral service will be held at St. Bernard’s Church in Waterford on Saturday, January the 7^th at 11:00 a.m. with a private reception for immediate family to follow.  Martin has dedicated much of his life to the care of his and Laura’s son Angus. Autism is a challenge and a gift, and Martin embraced the two without hesitation. In lieu of flowers the family would welcome contributions made to Martin’s rugby club who have set up a trust fund for respite care for Angus- payable to the Grimsby Gentlemen Rugby Football Club.