Please see updated visitation and service
information below.
John Howard Blaauwendraat – 67,
Beaver Brook, passed away suddenly, due to health complications, on
Thursday, January 13, 2022, at home. Born in Truro, he was a son of
the late John and Vivian (Scott) Blaauwendraat.
He was raised on the family dairy farm. It was here that he
and his wife of 41 years, Elizabeth “Betty” (Maskill) raised
their three children and operated the picturesque Shady Lane Farm, on
a hillside in Beaver Brook. Although it was a small herd, John was
very proud to be a member of Holstein Association of Canada. His cows
were all purebred Holsteins under the “Depol” prefix. More
than 15 times, John was the recipient of Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia
Excellence Award for quality milk production.
As a young man, John was a Scout Leader and was involved with
4H and Clifton Federation of Agriculture. Following in his
father’s footsteps, he was an avid member of Central Nova
Holstein Association. He and Betty often hosted the Holstein
Club’s annual lobster supper in the hayloft of their barn.
He supported Cobequid Elementary PTG; he and Betty never missed a
dance. He also enjoyed getting out on a snowmobile with childhood
friends and entertaining guests from the Udder Place Bed and
Breakfast, run by his wife, Betty.
Other than farming and family, John was very passionate about
motorcycles. He was an early member of AMCRA and raced at Atlantic
Motorsport Park through the 70s and 80s. Though his racing career was
short, he was a regular spectator at AMP, watching both of his sons
race, often with his Hay Wagon Grandstand/Camper. In more recent years
he enjoyed entertaining visitors, especially his grandchildren. He was
amazed by babies and children; thoroughly enjoying making them giggle
or trying to scare them.
John is survived by his children, John R. (Jaime)
Blaauwendraat, Onslow Mountain; Marie (Chuck) Harrison, Beaver Brook;
Brian (Brianna) Blaauwendraat, Princeport; grandchildren, Ava
Harrison, Johnny Blaauwendraat, Ella Harrison, Nora Blaauwendraat,
Hendrik Blaauwendraat, Brett Blaauwendraat, Zoe Blaauwendraat;
siblings, Jean (Stephen) Babineau, Mary (George) Burns, Bruce
(Marlene) Blaauwendraat. He is also survived by two aunts in Holland,
an uncle in Ontario, nephews, cousins and many friends. Along with his
parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty”
(Maskill).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall –
Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where John’s family will
receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2022, and
funeral service 2 p.m., Thursday, September 15, 2022, The Reverend
Lori Ramsey officiating. Interment in Old Barns
Cemetery.
If so desired, donations in John’s memory to Nova
Scotia Young Farmers are welcomed. Private messages of
condolence may be sent to the family by viewing John’s
obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at:
www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
John and his family appeared in a Sobeys commercial in 1990,
entitled “People Like You” (On The Farm). He was very proud
of this commercial and his family would like to share it with you.
Click on the link below or copy and paste the link if it doesn’t
open
youtu.be/8FTDG6-UCkY
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Howard Blaauwendraat 1954 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia