A Life of Love
On June 10th, 2023, Henrica Johanna van Dyk “Riek”, passed away at home on the farm in West Caledonia, surrounded by the love of her large family. We are so grateful to have had her quiet strength, unending patience, diplomacy, and unwavering love into her 92nd year. Happy to be in the back ground, she was indeed the foundation of our family and the family business. A true matriarch, and her presence will be greatly missed.
Born in Werkhoven, the Netherlands to Antonios & Johanna Spithoven on September 20, 1931. Riek grew up in wartime Europe with 2 sisters and 5 brothers. After her wedding to her lifetime partner of 63 years, Case, they immigrated to Canada landing at Pier 21 and starting a new life in West Caledonia. Working side by side, they purchased their own farm in 1957, which they transformed into a thriving farm and successful business. Although rarely in the forefront, Riek played a significant role in the family business all while excelling at her other fulltime job as mother to 9 children. She raised a family that laughed and worked hard together, and she was particularly proud of the NS Institute of Agrologists Farm Family of the Year award recognizing this.
Riek’s passions were firmly rooted in family, farming, and community. She had been very active in the St. Jerome’s Catholic Women’s league, a long time 4-H leader and willing volunteer. But for her, Family trumped all. She had a clear vision for parenting and needed to say very little to get her sometimes unruly 9 kids back on track. Strick, when necessary, but quick to a smile and famous for her dry sense of humour, she was our rock. Nothing gave her more joy than to closely follow the achievements of her 9 children, 21 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Riek is survived by children Gerry (Beverley), Anne Selig (Glen), Jeannie (John McLellan), Anthony, Bernadette McIntosh (Mike), Peter (Kim), Leo, Charles (Tammy Ingram), Grandchildren Mya, Adrien, Kim, Amanda, Luke, Connie, Casey, Kristen, Jessica, Rachael, Shawn, Owen, Nicholas, Nichole, Jacob, Delayne, Jaggar, Holland, Chandler and Daniel.
She is survived by 2 sisters and 1 brother in the Netherlands. She was predeceased by her parents, Antonios and Johanna Spithoven, husband Case and sons John, Paul (in infancy), great grandson Josiah (in infancy) and 4 brothers in the Netherlands.
Visitation will be 7 – 9 pm on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Chandlers Funeral Home in Liverpool. Funeral service will be on Thursday, June 15th, 2023, at 2pm at North Queens Firehall, with Father Keith Billard, and Father Jack Farrell officiating. Reception to follow the service.
Private family committal at St. Jerome’s.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caledonia Food Resource Network. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.chandlersfuneral.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Henrica Johanna “Riek” van Dyk
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Ricky G Selig
To All The Van Dyk Family And Families. My Heart Felt Sorrows For The Loss Of Your Dear Mom , Grandmother , And Great Grandmother . May You All Find Comfort In The Coming Days. Rest In Peace.
Robert & Sally Fader
Anthony and family:
We are very sorry to read that you have lost your Mom. Sending sincere condolences at this very sad and difficult time.
Darlene kaulbach
I’m so very sorry for your loss to the Vandyk family . She was a great lady ! I remember going there many years ago . Gerry and I went all through high school together. She was always welcoming and the cookie jar was always open . Please RIP …
Marie Lamrock
Dear Gerry and the vanDyke family:
I am so saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. Even though I did not know her personally, I know she was a kind, loving and gentle woman and instilled these traits in her children because I knew Gerry. My sincere sympathy to all the family and the memories that are left behind will help to ease the pain at this sad time,
Heather Weary
Dear van Dyk Family
I am so sorry for your loss of your wonderful mother. Met your parents at Blueberry meetings many years ago. They both were smiling, happy people. Their joy was infectious and made everyone happy.
Please accept my sympathy and prayers. It was a privilege to know them both.
Iona Charlton
To the family. I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of this truly wonderful lady. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Art&pat Conrad
To Riek’s Family.So sorry for your loss,she was the best neighbor and friend you could have .always had a smile for you when she saw you.We were 4-h buddys a long time ago,she will really be missed by all who knew her.R.I.P.Riek,Patsy &ArArthur
Charlotte Parks
To the van Dyk family… my condolences to you all on the passing of Riek.. she was a wonderful lady and I was so pleased to have met her… hugs to you all.
She may not be on earth with us but she will always be in your hearts and in your memories <3
Dan and Lynda O'Flaherty
Dear Anne, Glen, Kim, Amanda and families. Such sad news to hear. Dan and I send our thoughts love and prayers to you all. Thinking of you with love.
Heather Norris
Dear Anne and family,
My sincere sympathy on Reik’s passing. She was such a kind and gentle lady, always so welcoming. Take comfort that she is at peace with the love of her life. All your wonderful memories will get you through this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all..
Debbie Murley
To Rieks family and friends,we send our sympathy at this sad time .May God bless each one with peace and comfort.
Riek always had a kind and caring way about her.A special lady,always a smile on her face.Hugs to all.
From Deb and David
Louise and Blair
To the Van Dyk family, we are so very sorry to hear of Riek’s passing, she was always welcoming and had such a wonderful smile. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Take care
Lynn
Anne, your mother created many memories that will be shared amongst the families for years to come. You are definitely blessed. Sincere condolences.
Brian Purdy
To all the Vandyk family, So sorry for your loss, but she and Case live on in all of you. your parents instilled strong work ethic in all their children.
Brian and Bev Purdy
Cathy and Leigh Merry
Condolences on the loss of your loved one .Hold family close She was a great lady .
Watson and Bonnie Forrest
So very sorry for your loss.
Tom and Sheila Sheppard
We send our condolences to all members of the van Dyk family. It is hard to believe that Riek and Case are both now gone. They were such a big part of life in this part of the world.
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
Our condolences to all Riek’s Family She was a Remarkable Lady, always thinking of others. I loved to visit years ago when she was pasturing milk. She was an extremely hard worker and had a wonderful family. She will be missed. Treasure the Memories. Another Angel got her Wings.
Lena and Gary
To all the families,Condolences to each of you on the passing of such a sweet lady.May she live on in your hearts, and many special memories.So very sorry for your loss.
Elaine Frail
To all of Riek’s family, I want to express my deepest sympathy. Riek was a friend for as long as I can remember. We worked side by side at numerous suppers and planning sessions for various activities at St. Jerome’s. I will always cherish the times we shared together. Rest in peace, dear Riek.
Wendy Grant
So sad to hear of Riek’s Passing. She was such a lovely lady.
Life will be different for you without her. Take care.
Wendy and Rick.
Bianca and John Inkpen
So sorry to hear this. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Marilyn Woodworth/ Murray Frank
Condolences to the Van Dyk families on Riek’s passing.
hazel mansfield
so glad i got to know such a lovely lady
rest in peace Riek
Kathryn McNutt
Jeannie, John, Luke, Connie and Casey
Our condolences on the loss of a special woman in your family. Hold tight to your memories, she will live on in each of you. Sending hugs to each of you.
Kathryn abd Bruce McNutt
Midge Farrell
A wonderful lady indeed. Always enjoyed a chat with her in the summer when we we meet at St Jerome’s Church in West Caledonia. Rest in Peace Riek.
Bruce and Linda DeLong
Our love and prayers go out to Riek’s family near and far and to her many friends. She was a grand lady! Hold on to your memories of the good times you all shared.
Marjorie (selig} Rhodenizer, Sheila and Paul, Guy
Riek was a very special lady, also Case, they are now together. What can we say they instilled the best of themselves in their children. Loved them both since I came to know them in 66. God Bless all the children and know that Riek is in God’s hands now. Rest In Peace Riek.
Kaine White
Sorry to hear my condolences to the family
Shelly Cushing
My condolences to the van Dyk family for the passing of your mother.You all are in my prayers and heart.
John and Debbie Veinot
Our condolences to the entire family, our thoughts are with you all at this time.
Familie Vernooy Cothen, Nederland
Dear Family,
Condoleances to all of you. Also on behalf of our Mother, aunt Anny. She is at the moment in a nursing Home. Otherwise she would have contact you from Holland.
Despite the great distance our parents always had good contact with our uncle Case en aunt Riek.
May your wonderfull memories help you throughout the difficult days ahead.
With love,
Anny, Gerard, Joop, Theo, Diana, Peter en Paul Vernooij
JUDITH HAGGERTY
Our condolences to Leo and his family members on the passing of their mother Reik. And to our nieces and nephews on the loss of their lovely grand mother.
Gail Meisner
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Take good care of each other and keep your memories close at heart. I am sure she will not be forgotten by her loving and loved family.
Suzanne Frail
I am so sorry to hear of Riek’s passing.
Sending my deepest sympathies to all the family. xx
Byrt and Terri
John and Jeannie, and family. Wishing you comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow
Kathy and Bernie Rumbolt
Jerry and Family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. She lived a very interesting life. She will be missed by her large and loving family. There will be many stories shared for years to come.
Kathy and Bernie
Lorraine and Peter Hope
To all the van Dyk family we offer you our heart felt condolences at this time of Reik’s passing. What a great lady she was. Always friendly and smiling. For so many years the work she put into many church suppers and events were critical for our West Caledonia Parish of St Jeromes. She did so much to make North Queens a better place. We will remember her most fondly.
Laverne Frail
Sending my deepest sympathy to all of Reik’s family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad and difficult time.
Brian and Kim Mansfield
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dianne Wills
Dear Anne,
So sorry to read of your mother’s passing. Indeed she was a remarkable woman and accomplished so much. Her greatest legacy however came through in such a loving way- I think you were privileged to have had the best mom in the world. What a beautiful obituary.
Our thoughts are with you and the family at this sad time.
David and Dianne Wills
Betty Wall
Jeannie and John and family.
So very sorry to read of your Mother’s passing Jeannie. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Sincerely,
Betty & Arthur Wall
Shirley Evans
So sorry for your loss, Peter, Gerry, Jeannie and family.
marjorie &dick thompson
jeanie and family i remember ur mom and i laughing about different things –she was such a gentle soul –please keep her memories close and she will never be far away
Angevine Shauna
Sending our most heartfelt condolences to the all of the van Dyk family on the loss of your beautiful mom & Oma ❤️
Shauna & Ryan Angevine
Peg Cummings
To all the family
So sorry to hear about your mom. She was indeed a wonderful woman to all who came her way. With fond memories of her and your dad and those summer days in the blueberry fields.
Hope you find comfort in each other at this sad time.
Lloyd and Isabel
We extend sympathy and condolances to the van Dyk family on the psaaing of their loved one. Love, prayers from Isabel and Lloyd Baker
Carolyn McBride
Anne, Glen , Kim, Amanda and families,
My sincere condolences. Cherished memories will continue to make her seem very close to you.
Joan O'Keefe sc
Dear family of Reik,
My sympathy and prayers.
So many memories flood in as I read your mother’s, grandmother’s, great grandmother’s obituary.
I wish I could be with you on Wednesday or Thursday but have previous commitments. So nice that Father Jack will be there for the funeral service.
I will be thinking of each of you as well as Reik and Case.
love,
Joan
Darlene Connolly
To Charles, Tammy, Chandler, Daniel, and all the van Dyk family
So sorry for your loss. I met Riek when I took Tammy’s mother, Ethel, to visit Tammy, and there were many get togethers that included the van Dyk family. This wonderful lady will certainly be missed by all who knew her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Chuck McGinty & Marilyn (McGinty) Cobb
Both Chuck & I extend to all the Van Dyk family our sincere condolences on the passing of Reik. Have known her since her arrival in West Caledonia those many years ago. Thinking of you all!!
Jeannette Lewis
My thoughts and prayers to out the van Dyk families Riek was a awesome person she will be missed by all who knew her.Mycongolence
Louis and Joan Holdright
To Riek’s family and friends: I only had the pleasure of three days with her at Queens General Hospital; where she shared a room with my sweet mother-in-law, Lillian. Even in that short time, it was clear that Mrs.VanDyke was an elegant, kind and positive lady. I will never forget her holding my hand in the hallway soon after Lillian’s passing. May God bring comfort, as you remember all the quality times spent with her. Joan Holdright. Louis and I send sincere condolences to her family.
Cor Spithoven
Dear nieces and nephews,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing away of your mother.
Thank you for your great care and support which you could offer her in her last days.
I still remember the moments we waved her and Kees away in the port of Rotterdam in 1954.
And we met again in 1965 when she visited The Netherlands for the fist time in order to attend my priestly ordination. And we still appreciate that Gerry and John could join her in this ceremony.
Through the following years we all visited you one or several times.
I believe that I was your guest seven times of which the first two times together with your grandmother. Thank you so much for your hospitality.
Their first years in Canada have not been easy, and lifelong they had several setbacks, but as real immigrants they persevered and they developed a beautiful blueberry company and through this you all found your purpose in life.
In retrospect your parents had a rich life. There are so many reasons to be proud of your parents in these days of mourning ; and very special be proud of your mother who was a solid rock standing up out of the sea.
I am with you in mind and I wish you a lot of strength.
With warm regards,
also on behalf of Anny, Riet, Annie en José
Love you
Cor.
Arthur and Sheila Thompson
So sorry to hear of the passing of Riek. Cherish your memories. Sending love and prayers to all the family.
Linda Frail
A beautiful lady with an amazing big heart, her presence in our community will be missed. Condolence to the family ❤️
Wilma and Tom Shupe
To the van Dyk families
We were saddened to hear of your loss.Riek was a wonderful lady. She always made time for a chat sitting at her kitchen table when I visited . She and Case were great neighbours. West Caledonia has lost another pillar of the community.Our condolences go out to all of you.
Myrna Crouse
I want to extend my sincere sympathy to all. She was a lovely lady and has left quite a legacy for all of you. My prayers and blessings go out to all. Remember the wonderful times you had together.
Mike Cushing
Sincere and heartfelt condolences to Riek’s family.
Greg Lohnes
Please accept our sincere condolences. Cherish your memories.
Michelle Smith-Nochasak
To all the van Dyk family,
I was saddened to learn of Riek’s passing. Truly, she was her family’s rock, and a strong and quiet presence for her community. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Stephen J Malay
To the van Dyk families, Carla and I offer our sincere regrets to all for your loss. She was truly a well respected family member and a true supporter of her community. She will always be remembered.
Pansy Ford
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Sending heartfelt condolences and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
CEDRIC AND SUSAN SMITH
thoughts and prayers go out to the whole VANDYKE families
Jean Douglas
My sincere condolences to all the family. She was a true pillar of our community, and will be missed.
Judy & Eric
Where to begin? Case and Riek and family have been close and very much loved friends since they first arrived in North Queens. My mum urged them to join our NQ Federation of Agriculture, of which they became valued and very active members. Their kids attended school along with mine, and some were in the same class, and always pals. My heart has ached for all of you since hearing the sad news. Time removes the initial pain and replaces it with so many happy memories. Time lessens the intense grief, and the tears become smiles. Give yourselves this time. Love and hugs to all…Judy & Eric
George Reagh
Gerry, Bev and all the families sending our condolences and to let you know we are thinking of you all during this very difficult time, take care George & June
Todd Howlett
Leo and family,
Please accept Katie and my condolences on the loss of your mother. A true matriarch indeed. Her legacy lives on in you all.
Todd and Katie Howlett
J. Louise O'Brien
Peter and family:
My Deepest Sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your Mom. Cherish the memories! Most Sincerely, Louise
Don & Pat Canning- 'Selig
vanDyke Family , So sorry to hear of your mothers passing, she was a lovely neighbour both her and your father,hard working. they were great people Reik always had a smile, her and i work great together planning strawberry and blueberry suppers and any other projects , she was a great supporter of St Jeromes Church, she will be greatly missed by all especially her family , but you have great memories of her which will help as you move on Take Care and God Bless
LAWRENCE DELONG
To: Anthony, Gerry, Jeannie, Anne, Beverly and the entire van Dyk family my sincere condolences on the passing of your mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family and community.
Nico van Dijk
On behalf of the Dutch Van Dijk family I send you our sincere condolences for the loss of Riek, your wonderful mother, grandmother and grand grandmother. You will undoubtedly miss her beautiful presence, but she will stay forever in your memories.
She and Case moved to Canada and build up a new life in their new country. They were succesfull in creating the blueberry business, but more importantly they have truly created a wonderfull family life. That will be very helpfull in sharing your sorrows now and memories of them in the coming years.
We also feel saddened by Riek’s passing, but we too will be comforted by beautiful memories. We will always remember her warm welcomings when we visited you in Canada and her overall positive attitude in life.
We wish you all the strenghts you need to carry the loss of Riek. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nico
Elaine Kempton
So sorry to hear of Mrs.vanDyke’s passing. She was such a lovely lady, always with a friendly hello & a beautiful smile.
Condolences to the vanDyke family.
Alex &’Marie MacLeod
Sincere condolences to the vanDyk family. Riek was a wonderful sincere lady. She was always friendly and welcomed everyone into her home. She had a lot of pride in her family and rightfully so. She and Case helped to develop a strong work ethic in all their family members. Riek may be gone but she will
definitely not be forgotten.
Annette and Leon Thompson
Casey
Sorry to hear of your Oma’s passing. It sounds like she was an exceptional lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love
Annette and Leon
Leora Cavanagh Granville Boutilier’s sister)
To Adrien I am so sorry to read your Grandmother’s obituary. It is a sad time for everyone involved. May she rest in peace. My condolences to the family . Please take care and remember all the good times
Michael Sole
Bernadette, Anthony, Gerry and family. Sincere condolences to you and your extended family on the passing of your Mom. It was a privilege to have spent a summer working on the farm and to share meals at her table. She was always welcoming and had a beautiful smile.
Maureen Ryan (Ford)
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Although I only met her a few times and did not know her very well, I always found her to a kind and gracious lady. May the many memories you have of her bring comfort to each and every one of you in the days to come.
Glen DeMond
To all of the Van Dyk families:
So very sorry to learn of Reik,s passing. She was a very outstanding person, not only in our community, but as a family mother, as given in her obituary. She will be sadly missed by all family,and our community, my sincerest condolence
to all.
Glen
Brian Uhlman
I remember back a few years ago,quite a few I stopped by the farmhouse Riek greeted me at the door with a big smile and invited me in.In a conversation children and grandchildren came up.She said that she probably spent more time coloring with her family and their friends than most and laughed.Since that day as her family grew I’m sure that she had lots of opportunities to color enjoying every minute. Treasure the memories! Our hearts are with you. Cheryl and Brian U.
Andrew Ross
Mrs van dyk was the engine that created the most honest and hardest working family I know.
Her energy to mother 9 children and get them all out to work the farm is incredible.
I was invited for many meals there as a young boy and never saw as much food get devoured so quickly. The food was fantastic so no one was late for meals.
Can you imagine leaving your home country as a young couple and move to a foreign country not knowing the English language.. without the use of your cell phone
. They were a brave couple who made caledonia a great spot to live.
Her many grandchildren were so fortunate to know her.
Sadie Mac Askill (Huskins)
So sorry to hear of Riek’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family at this sad time. Rest in peace ,Reik, your work is done, and you did it well!
Traci
van Dyk Family,
Condolences to you all on the passing of your mom/grand mom.
mitchell seldon
so very sorry to hear about your mum very nice lady hope the family is doing ok
Amy Keirstead
One of my earliest memories from nursery school is going to the van Dyk’s farm to see the pigs and having Riek’s molasses cookies. They must have been good cookies because that was 40+ years ago!
Sending peaceful thoughts to the family as you navigate this time.
Willy Kalt
It’s was a real honour to know Riek. Back in the day we enjoyed many blueberry meetings together. And we both have the Dutch heritage and Pier 21 history in common. What a legacy Riek and Case have left in so many ways! Sincere condolences to family and friends.
Carol Versteeg
Sorry to hear of the lose of you mother. I’m sure there are so many memories that you have and they will never leave you. With the lose of your second parent, you will all have to work harder to keep the family together. I know you all know what hard work is. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Carol Versteeg
Vicki Conrad
To the van Dyk family,
I send my sincere condolences on the passing of Riek, your mom, grandmom and the matriarch of your family. Thinking of you all during this sad time.
Tara and Frank
To all the Van Dyk family, we are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you.
Sincerely
Frank and Tara Proudfoot
Susan & Wes Kendall & Family
NS was blessed when this lovely lady and her husband moved here. Thank you all for being the lovely people that you are, because of this dedicated woman. Thank you for sharing the lovely family pictures. Our thoughts are with you and your families, and know she will be forever missed! Take care in this very difficult time.
Annette Freeman
So sorry to hear about Mrs Van Dyke’s passing my condolences to all the family
Dennis & Sharon Wills
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Your mom was a beautiful lady and always greeted people with a smile and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families. Heaven has just gained another beautiful angel. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Love and Hugs.
David whynott of mersey point
Deepest condolences to all of the vandyke family I have known the vandykes for over 50 yrs. Wonderfull people. Bless you all at this sad time.