It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James
(Jim) Hendriks, formerly of Riverview, recently of McNair Manor, who
passed away at The Moncton Hospital on Saturday, September 19, 2020.
Born in Wanroy, Netherlands, he was the son of the late Harrie and
Johanna (Minten) Hendriks. He was predeceased by his wife Hazel,
parents, brother Harry, sisters Door and Nelly, and
step-mother Johanna (Strik) Hendriks.Jim grew up in the Netherlands
and arrived in Canada via Pier 21 in 1952. He spent his
early years as a farmhand in PEI where he put his education in
agriculture to use. He later moved to NS where he met and
married Hazel and a 62-year love story began. He obtained
his papers as a pastry chef, working at the NS Hospital as a cook,
then as a bakery manager for Dominion Stores. The family
moved to NB in 1972 when he accepted a position as a Regional Bakery
and Deli Supervisor for Save-Easy (later Real Atlantic Superstore),
ending his career as a Technical Specialist with Robin Hood
Multi-Foods. He received many awards throughout his career,
but he was most proud of the friends he made and followed the lives of
the people he mentored with great pleasure. The family often joked
that Jim never really retired as he often went back to "help
out" at the Superstore in busy seasons and spent countless hours
in the kitchen catering for the Knights of Columbus at Immaculate
Heart of Mary Church. Jim was a 4th Degree Knight and was
recognized repeatedly for his contributions. He and Hazel
were devoted members of Immaculate Heart and his involvement in his
church community was deeply important to him.
Jim was a man of many accomplishments and interests, and
quickly mastered anything he tried his hand at from house building to
photography to stained glass. He was happiest in his garden and saw
any patch of land as a potential "farm".
Many people were the recipient of his harvests
over the years and he reveled in the nickname Papa Gardener.
Most importantly, Jim was a devoted husband, father,
grandfather, great- grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
He will be greatly missed by daughters Sonja (Sylvie
Diotte), and Doralynne Robichaud (David), grandchildren Jade Bragg
(T.J.) and Jacob Chapman (Josephine), great-granddaughter
Iris, sister Joke van den Elsen (Riny), as well as many nieces and
nephews and extended family in both Canada and the
Netherlands.
The family would like to thank the staff of McNair Manor for
their loving care of Jim over his last months during exceptional
times. Special thanks go out to Dr. Jee and Dr. Hudson, and
the staff of 4200 at The Moncton Hospital for their care and
compassion.
The Family will be receiving relatives and friends at Cobbs
Funeral Home and Cremation Center on Thursday, September
24th from 7-8pm for those age 65 and
over and from 8-9 pm for the general public. The
Funeral Mass will be celebrated from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 5
Fatima Dr. Riverview on Friday, September 25 at 10:30 am. Face
covering is required for visitation and the service. Please contact
the funeral home at 869-2007 or by email [email protected]
to reserve seating. Donations to a charity of your choice would be
most appreciated.