Big Bras d’Or, NS
May 24, 1934 - August 20, 2024
In the early morning hours of August 20th, beloved father, grandfather, husband, and friend Frank Hendriksen left the world he so truly loved, at the age of 90 years young.
Growing up as a child in Holland, and navigating the horrors of the Second World War, Frank experienced many life changing events, but his intellect and determination pushed him towards the achievement of a college education. As a new Laboratory Technician, a young Frank worked in the Netherlands for a short while before he sought a life abroad at the age of 19.
His travels brought him to Australia, where he worked in the healthcare system, and then on His Majesty's Steamship Line, and an opportunity to travel the world. He was fluent in five languages and embraced all of the cultures he experienced during his travels.
His final destination was Pier 21 in Halifax, and shortly thereafter he met the love of his life, Gweneth Mason. After a couple of dates sharing a simple Pepsi and a chocolate bar, they decided that they were going to live their lives together. Married in Oshawa Ontario, in 1959 and lonesome for the love of family, Frank decided to move to Gwen’s home in Tangier, on the Eastern Shore, and was embraced by all that knew him. He loved Gwen’s family and was willing to work hard to help provide for them, which sometimes meant giving up the spare change in his pockets or his new Dutch wool socks.
It was in Tangier where he was introduced to fishing by his good friend Bert Cooper. A natural wanderer, unafraid of the next frontier, Frank later convinced Gwen to move a little further East, and they settled on the shores of the Great Bras d'Or. He had the foresight to know that beautiful Big Bras d'Or had prosperity to offer. He and Gwen raised 3 children there, in whom he found joy, laughter, some challenges, and most of all, respect. His children all remain grateful that he chose Big Bras d’Or as his permanent home, and grew up learning many valuable things from a father who was both a fisherman and an entrepreneur.
The lifelong ambition to have his own business was born in Arm of Gold Fisheries which brought forward success for not only his family, but also for his community. He was well respected within the industry both locally and internationally for his honesty and integrity. At the height of Arm of Gold’s success, Frank was an ambitious and successful lobster buyer and an exporter of high quality salt mackerel filets which were said to have sparked “dancing in the streets” of the West Indies. Frank was famous among his friends and family for his marinated herring.
Frank shared his wisdom and hard work ethic with not only his family, but with everyone who knew him. His greatest positions in life were as a beloved husband, father, Opa, and Uncle to many nieces and nephews, some of whom traveled very long distances to spend time with him and Gwen in the summer months. He was fond of and kind to all of the young people of the community, many of whom he was proud to have offered work opportunities. He introduced the first fiberglass boat to his fishing community and was referred to for a time as “The Crazy Dutchman in his Tupperware boat”.
He had a boisterous personality and a great sense of humor. He loved to tell jokes and stories to make people laugh, with "My Dog Bruno" and "The Gin Drinking Pig" as some of his favorites.
In his youth, Frank was an amateur soccer player and was a goalkeeper for the provincial team in Gelderland Holland, but here in Canada, his heart belonged on the ice with his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. His love for music and his classical piano playing with his operatic voice were greatly admired by his family. He loved to play for anyone who would listen. His favorite pastime was driving up and down Factory Road with a beloved dog in the passenger seat, keeping a watchful eye on the tide and everything else that was going on. Although he believed in working hard, he also believed in taking time to enjoy life and have fun. He instilled the same belief in all of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed the times spent with his family giving them guidance and direction whether they wanted it or not. Frank had many pets throughout his life, from hedgehogs and crows as a child, to stray cats and dogs as an adult. He had a very kind heart and was a lover of all animals.
Frank is predeceased by his parents, Wilhelmima and Gerardus Hendriksen, his brothers Nick (Ann) , Carl (Meep), Jerry (Ann), Joep (Dora), Anthony (Gere) , sister Wilhelmina (Jon) Leenders, and sisters Wies and Theresa Hendriksen. He is also predeceased by his eldest son Johnny, in infancy.
He is survived by his wife of 66 Years, Gweneth Hendriksen, his sons Anthony (Donna), Paul (Peggy), and his daughter, Jacqueline (Scott). He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren: Rachel, Nicholas (Alicia), Meredith, Lydia, Kristiaan, Isla Hendriksen as well as a step grandson Wade Rideout (Bethany) and step great-grandchildren Ryker, Cullen, and Willa Rideout.
Cremation has taken place. As per Frank's request, half of his ashes will be taken back to Heuissen, Holland by his family, and the other half will be scattered off the Bird Islands in a private family service. There will be no public service or visitation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank's memory to the Atlantic Burn Camp a worthy organization whose annual firework display Frank enjoyed every year from his superb view across the lake.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Homecare and VON services, as well as to the medical and nursing staff at the Inverness Consolidated Hospital for their compassion and professionalism while caring for Dad. We send a special thanks to Father Daniels.
Well done Dad. Very well done.
We love you. We thank you. We miss you.
Good Fishing
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