It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Johannes (John) Maas, on Oct 28th at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital after his sudden illness.
Dad was born in Asten, Holland September 10th, 1931. He was an active member of St. Andrew’s parish, the Knights of Columbus as well as the Seniors Oak & Owl club, and St Andrew’s District Community Centre Board of Directors, and could be found puttering around the community centre whenever it was necessary. He enjoyed his games of curling. He was a 4-H leader for decades and helped many children learn woodworking skills in his shop. He was a firm believer in the power of women; when people asked why he didn’t hire men during the summer hay making season he would say that the girls can do it just as well or even better than any guy. When asked if it bothered him to have so many daughters he’d say, "When you have girls, the boys will be there soon enough!"
John, along with his new bride Maria, emigrated from Holland in late April, 1956. They arrived at Pier 21 in May, 1956 to have a new beginning for their family with hopes of owning their own farm. In 1959 they settled on the Maas farm in Marydale where the dairy farm became the way of life for us all. All of their children were born in Canada. They had 25 years in Canada before Dad was able to return to Holland for a visit.
John is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Helena Maria Petronella. They were soul mates and spent all their time together on the farm raising eight children and watching the next generations grow with them. In later years they were able to do some world traveling which they very much enjoyed together.
John is survived by his children Toni (Bill) Wilson, St. Andrew’s; Josie (Gary) van Vonderen, Meadow Green; Joanne Maas (Matthew Latimer), Mulgrave; Frank (Roberta), St. Andrew’s; Maria (Ken) Campbell, Belmont; Petra Patterson, Point Aconi; Elizabeth (Steve) Barrett, Halifax; and Joseph (Wanda), Salmon River. He was Opa to 21 grandchildren and Opa Maas to 10 great grandchildren.
John is also survived by his brothers Francis, Heatherton; & Frank (Vangie), Antigonish; Hans (Mia), Harry (Mia), Louis (Riek) of Holland; and his sisters Cisca (Janus) Loomans, Anna (Harry) Weyenborg, Bertha (Toon) Van de Zanden, Francien (Tiny) Boots of Holland along with many nieces & nephews.
John was predeceased by his parents and his brother Frits of Holland and granddaughter Baby girl Patterson.
Family flowers only please. Cremation has taken place.
Visitation will be held
Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm in the C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College
Street, Antigonish. FuneralMass will be held Thursday in St.
Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church, St. Andrew’s. at
10:30am, Reverend Charles Cameron Presiding. Interment at a later
date.
Donations may be made to the Parkinson Society Maritime Region or Cathy’s Place St.Martha’s Hospital.Online Condolences: www.clcurry.com.