Veenhuis, Jan “John” Willem – age 90, of South Branch, entered into the presence of his Lord on June 2, 2026. Born in Vorden, Netherlands John immigrated to Canada in 1954 with his family.
John enjoyed farming and raising a family in the South Branch community since 1962. Making many connections in the local area, John never met a stranger. Whether it was meeting for coffee in the diner or stopping in at the Co-Op or picking up a load of sawdust at the sawmill, John made many personal friends.
Retired from a lifetime of dairy farming, John served with the Fellowship of Christian Farmers of Canada, sharing the gospel at exhibitions and fairs in Nova Scotia for more than a decade through the “walking stick ministry.” Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ was one of the greatest joys of his life.
John is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Anne (Boertjes) Veenhuis; children, Hank, Linda Webb (Dan), Ralph, Heidi VanderKwaak (Steve), Natalie Dube (Marc), Natasha Henderson (Bob) and Travis (Rebecca); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him such joy. He is also survived by siblings, Henk (Maria), Annebeth Dykstra (John), and Marty (Patsy).
He was predeceased by parents, Martinus and Hendrika Veenhuis; brother, Willem; sister, Gerri; daughter, Krista; and daughters-in-law, Denise and Eunice.
A family interment will take place in South Branch Cemetery under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative.
A celebration of God’s grace in John’s life will be held in The Peoples Church, 15 Elm St., Truro on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ken Fillmore officiating.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the VON nurses and personal care givers. Special thanks are also extended to Dr. Cortney Smith, Dr. Jacob John, Dr. Oniah, and the nurses of the Palliative Care Unit at Colchester East Hants Health Centre.
Donations may be made to the Upper Stewiacke Fire Department, 5336 Highway 289, Upper Stewiacke, NS
B0N 2P0, or Colchester Christian Academy.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15
A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.
