Wilhelmina (Goyert) Kraayenbrink

KRAAYENBRINK, Johannes "John" IV KRAAYENBRINK, Wilhelmina "Mies" It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Married for 69 years, they were loving parents to Alice, Erica (John Brittin) and Cathy (Ralph Gow). Dear grandparents to Felicia (Steve Critchlow), Coby (Rebecca) and Roan (Kara Longlade). Great grandparents to Clara Wilhelmina. Brother and sister-in-law to Tineke (Bert van t' Hof) Wezep, the Netherlands. John was predeceased by his brother Hubert and his sister Anny (Beyer). Mies was predeceased by her brother Albert and sister Elizabeth. Dad came from a long line of horticulturists. His father had a nursery in Soestdijk, the Netherlands. His grandfather was the chief horticulturist at Soestdijk Palace for Queen Emma. His great uncle had a position at Het Loo Palace as the personal horticulturist to King William III. After graduating from The Netherlandshe Heidemaatschappy in 1941, Dad went to work for the Statsbosbaheer (State Land Reclamation and Forestry Service). During the early 50s, he supervised the creation of the giant nursery called Drakendurg in Baarn: a facility that still stands to this day although in private hands. In 1953, the family immigrated to London, ON. Mom and Dad started their business ‘Tulip Gardens Nursery and Garden Centre' in Nilestown in the mid-fifties and moved it to Hwy 119 in 1959. During this time Dad mentored many chaps who still work in the landscape industry. The award winning design and maintenance section was sold in the 80s and they concentrated on the garden centre side of the business. The store was closed in 2013 due to health issues. Dad was a member of the Ingersoll Nature Club and a Lifetime Member of the Ingersoll Horticultural Society. He was founding member of Landscape Ontario. During the late 90s, he wrote articles about his hometown Soest for their historical website. He took care of us all. Mom was as excellent photographer, cook and an avid reader of mystery and psychological novels. For many years she was a member of the Dickson's Corners Ladies Aid. Cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer Society, Oxford VON or Salvation Army. Brock & Visser Funeral Home, Thamesford Chapel (519-285-2427) in charge of arrangements.