Arend Adrianus Timmermans

Arend Timmermans

October 5, 1931 – March 9 ,2022

Sadly, we said our last goodbyes to Arend on March 9th, 2022.  At the age of 90, he peacefully passed away in his residence at Princess Gardens in Peterborough.  He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lida (nee De Wit) and their three children Ann (Elliott), Peter (Karen) and Frits (Clair).  He is also survived by his grandchildren Matthew, Cara, Aidan, Stephanie (Kern) and great grandchildren, Jayden and Kendal.  In Europe, he is survived by two brothers (Kees and Piet) and a sister (Ada).  Arend is predeceased by his parents (Alida and Pieter), as well as two siblings (Adrian and Jannie). 

Born in Holland, Arend was the eldest of six children.  Shortly after the war Arend moved to live with extended family members where he was encouraged to continue his education.  While working in the shipyards by day and attending school in the evening he obtained his post-secondary education.  This was followed by a period of his compulsory military service.  It was during this time, and as fate would have it, that Arend and Lida met while attending a summer sailing camp for their holidays, each coming from opposite ends of Holland.  And this is when their “together” time began.

Arend’s life was filled with interesting experiences as he sought out adventures that allowed him to work and explore simultaneously.  One such adventure happened when he took advantage of an opportunity to work abroad…in Borneo!  With his wife and a little daughter in tow they spent two years living and exploring the equatorial island.  During this time, they welcomed a son into the family.  Not long after returning to the Netherlands, Arend and Lida decided to immigrate to Canada.  Upon arrival at Union Station in Toronto, Arend immediately walked up University Avenue seeking employment.  In short order he joined CGE in Peterborough, where he continued to work for close to 30 years.  As one child had been born in Holland and one in Borneo it was fitting when a third arrived in Canada!  Canadian adventures included numerous outdoor activities including camping, canoeing, kayaking and cross-country skiing.  While embracing the natural beauty of their newly adopted home they also focused on visiting and learning about Canada’s heritage and culture.  Giving back to the community was also a big part of Arend’s life as he readily volunteered in Scouting, church groups and other community services. 

Peterborough and the surrounding lakes, hills and natural beauty filled their days confirming they had made a great decision to follow their dreams.  Over the past few years, the country roads have slowly been bidding Arend goodbye and the Otonabee River will continue to peacefully flow past his resting place at Little Lake Cemetery. 

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the respectful, kind, caring and supportive staff at Princess Gardens who welcomed Arend into his new home “with a view of the river” four years ago.   

As an expression of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders or The Christian Children’s Fund of Canada.  The family will celebrate his life in private and kindly accept notes of condolences at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com