Obituary of Arnold Adrianus Hendriks

Arnold Hendriks

1931-2024

Arnold Hendriks passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord on February 21, 2024 in his 94th year. He was born in Loosduinen, Netherlands, the second of 11 children.  The Hendriks family emigrated to Canada in 1951 and settled in Beamsville, Ontario.

From a young age Arnold loved working with his hands, building furniture, cabinets, and baby cribs for family and friends.  Arnold eventually started his own construction company, Arnold Hendriks & Sons, which was later changed to Homes by Hendriks. 

Arnold loved being on the water sailing and built several sailboats over the years.  In retirement Arnold and Barb enjoyed travelling and spending time with family and friends.  Arnold was very involved in the building of the Warehouse of Hope.

Arnold is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara, and their children Caroline and Marcel VanRuyven, Fred and Cindy (2022), Ron (2013) and Yvonne, Mike and Kathy, Gerald and Sue, and James and Joyce.  He was the proud Opa of 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations for Right to Life, Warehouse of Hope, or Wells of Hope would be appreciated.

Visitation will take place on Friday February 23 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Vineland Chapel of Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St., Vineland.  Funeral will be held on Saturday February 24^th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church, 4106 Mountain St., Beamsville.  Interment to follow at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery.

Life Story of Arnold Hendriks

1931-2024

Arnold Hendriks was born on February 13, 1931, to Johannes and Clazina Hendriks in Loosduinen, Netherlands, the second of 11 children. 

During Arnold’s childhood years there was never a shortage of fun and mischief to be had with so many siblings. After grade school Arnold started working for a small lumber company building kitchen cabinets, while also going to woodworking trade school in the evenings.  During these years he was involved as a leader with the boy scouts, which he really enjoyed. 

After WWII the Hendriks family started thinking about moving to Canada which was a very big step.  They were told by a family friend who had already moved to Canada that it was a great land if you weren’t afraid of hard work. 

On March 24, 1951, the family arrived in Canada on the SS Volendam.  Arnold was 20 years old.  They initially moved into a house on Schenk Farms and the whole family worked on the farm.  After one year they moved into a two-storey chicken barn on the farm, which they renovated into their family home.  Amenities were very limited, with no indoor plumbing, but that didn’t stop the Hendriks family from hosting big dances for friends and family almost every weekend.  Wonderful and memorable times were had!  During this time Arnold enjoyed making furniture for the family, as well as baby cribs for friends and relatives.

In 1953 the Hendriks family bought a farm in Beamsville, Ontario.  Many young families, who had recently immigrated as well, would come around on Sunday afternoons and found a warm welcome from Oma (Clazina Hendriks). 

In 1954 Arnold wrote a letter to Barbara vander Zalm who still lived in Holland.  Barbara’s brother Ted had already moved to Canada and spent a lot of time with the Hendriks family (he was also dating Arnold’s sister Mary).  He suggested that Arnold start writing letters to his sister in Holland.  Barbara knew Arnold’s younger brothers from school but did not really know Arnold at the time.  According to Barbara the first letter felt good right away!  They wrote for 2 ½ years before Barb made the decision to move to Canada.

During the years of letter writing Arnold still lived on the farm but worked at a lumber yard which included roofing, making windows and doors, as well as many other jobs.  Each year he would be laid off from October until June, so he started building a house across the road from the farmhouse in preparation for his marriage to Barbara.  On October 19, 1957, Arnold and Barb were married in a double marriage ceremony along with Barb’s brother Ted and Arnold’s sister Mary.  The reception was held in the unfinished basement of the home Arnold had just finished building for his bride. 

After four years of working for the lumber company Arnold’s boss suggested he start his own business. Arnold Hendriks & Sons was started, primarily doing renovations and cabinet making.  Later his sons Fred and Ron joined him in the business and eventually the name would be changed to Homes by Hendriks.

Arnold and Barb had six children, Caroline, Fred, Ron, Mike, Gerald and James.  Many happy memories were made during the years on Pumphouse Road.  Arnold loved to sail and the family spent many hours on the water, instilling a love for the lake in all his children to this day.  He loved music and would listen anywhere he could, with speakers inside and outside the house, as well as one speaker on the roof!

Arnold was involved with Knights of Columbus in his younger years.  Later Arnold and Barb became involved with the COR movement.  They also took a course called Life in the Spirit so that they could lead prayer groups. 

Over the years Arnold and Barb lovingly welcomed their children’s spouses into the family.  Many fond memories were had on summer Sunday afternoons spent on the lake, with a barbecue and visiting in the screen room after.  Eventually 19 grandchildren were welcomed into the family as well.

In 1990 Arnold retired, selling the business to Fred and Ron.  Retirement years were spent sailing, travelling, and spending time with family.  Arnold was also very involved with the building of the Warehouse of Hope. 

In 2005 Arnold and Barb moved to Mississauga Road in St. Catharines.  They very much enjoyed this home and its location close to the lake, with a lovely back yard where many hours were spent enjoying coffee together or visiting with friends and family.  During these years ­­­22 great-grandchildren were lovingly welcomed into the family.

In 2023 Arnold’s health started to decline.  Barbara lovingly cared for Arnold at home as long as possible, their love and devotion to each other still so evident after 65 years of marriage.  Arnold loved the Lord and knowing Him made all the difference in his life.  He was a gentle and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be dearly missed.