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Nellie Dewitt Obituary
Nellie Dewitt (Nelly de Wit), co-founder of “D” Dutchmen Dairy and Dewitt Holsteins at Sicamous, BC, died at the age of 83 on May 30th, 2024.
Born in 1941 in Bergschenhoek, Netherlands, Nellie grew up on a small but busy farm along with thirteen siblings. She was a top student who loved to read and may have pursued an interest in nursing professionally were it not for a chance meeting, at age 15, of Chris Dewitt, also 15, who became her boyfriend, husband and business partner. When Chris emigrated to Canada in 1959, Nellie decided to join him, in 1960, and they were soon married and started a family.
Nellie and Chris were entrepreneurs from the start, and from humble beginnings that included refurbishing dilapidated farms for resale, peat moss harvesting, and starting their own farmer’s market that included a single cow that was kept in the garage of their house, they slowly built up the experience, reputation and equity to enable a move to their ultimate destination, Sicamous, BC, in 1970.
In Sicamous, Nellie and Chris first established their dairy herd of 375 purebred Holsteins and later, in 1978, launched a dairy products processing business, “D” Dutchmen Dairy, all with the support of their five children, sons John, Jake, Chris and Bob, along with daughter Heidi. Launching the dairy was a particularly ambitious move considering that no one in the family had any experience producing or marketing dairy products at scale. Despite their inexperience, the necessary enabling debt, and then the premature death of Chris in 1988, Nellie willed the success of this business, while at the same time, supporting and parenting her large family.
Even greater than her business acumen was Nellie’s love of family. In addition to her five children, she was a grandmother to 12 and great-grandmother to 17. Both “D” Dutchmen Dairy and Dewitt Holsteins remain family-owned and operated businesses, and Nellie remained actively involved in the business of the dairy until her last day. This meant she had daily visits with most of her extended family. She loved that, and it kept her sharp and vibrant to the end.
Besides her children and grand-children, Nellie is survived by 10 of her 13 siblings, all but one, Trix Hoogendoorn of Hope, BC, live in the Netherlands, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Nellie and Chris taught their children about public service and philanthropy by example. Nellie was a long-time supporter of food banks, youth sports, 4-H, sheltered workshops for the developmentally disabled, and King’s Christian School in Salmon Arm, BC.
Nellie Dewitt’s many successes were due to her persistence and initiative. Her presence and love will be missed but she leaves a legacy of business success, family and philanthropy that will long continue.
A service will be held on Saturday, June 8th, 3:00PM at Eagle River Secondary School in Sicamous, BC. The ceremony will also be streamed live via Nellie’s Facebook page and later saved on YouTube. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank or King’s Christian School, both in Salmon Arm, BC.
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April 28 1941 May 30 2024 83 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: Salmon Arm, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice Nellie Breugem Dewitt April 28 1941 May 30 2024 83 Years Old
obituaries notice Nellie Breugem Dewitt April 28 1941 May 30 2024 83 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Nellie Breugem Dewitt April 28 1941 May 30 2024 83 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
