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Event Date : Tuesday, January 22, 1980
Event Type : Death

Description : Marsh grower Harry Verkaik died last week at York County Hospital in Newmarket. He was 69. One of the most prominent growers in the Holland Marsh, Mr. Verkaik was a key figure in the founding of the Bradford Co-operative Storage. He served both as president and board member of the co-op for many years. Born in Amsterdam, Holland, in 1910, he emigrated to Canada in 1926, settling first in the Chatham area. His first involvement with the marsh came about nine years later when he purchased 90 acres of land with his father, George Verkaik Sr., and brothers Jacob and Peter. After founding Hillside Gardens in 1964, Mr. Verkaik retired in 1965. Long active in various growers organizations, Mr. Verkaik also took part in the vast relief efforts after Hurricane Hazel in 1954. He was a devoted charter member of the Holland Marsh Christian Reformed Church, in which he served as an elder. Mr. Verkaik was also president of the newspaper "Calvinist Contact" for many years. A funeral service was held for Mr. Verkaik last Friday officiated by Rev. James Evenhouse. Rev. Evenhouse recited from Revelations 7 Verse 7: "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." He commended Mr. Verkaik's wife Jessie and sons Gerald and Jim for their devotion and encouragement during Mr. Verkaik's long illness. He was buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery near Bradford.Friends called at the Lathangue & Skwarchuk Funeral Home. Mr. Verkaik predeceased by his wife Anne Horlings leaves his wife Jessie, sons Gerald and Jim, and grandchildren Karen, Valerie, Jennifer, Trevor, Loretta, Bentley, and Kathleen."

Event Date : Thursday, May 30, 1963
Event Type : Marriage

Description : Susan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew de Beer of Brampton, to Jim, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Verkaik of Springdale. The wedding took place in Springdale Christian Reformed Church. Rev. P. Kranenburg of Jarvis, formerly of Springdale, officiated. The maid of honour was the bride's sister, Miss Mary de Beer of Brampton and two other sisters, Miss Dorothy and Miss Frances de Beer, also of Brampton, were bridesmaids. Miss Lauretta Verkaik, niece of the groom, was flower girl. George Posthumus, nephew of the bride, was ring bearer. Mr. Gerald Verkaik was his brother's groomsman and the ushers were two cousins of the groom, George Verkaik and Dennis Van Dyke. Mr. and Mrs. Verkaik will reside in Springdale.