October 14, 1929 - September 26, 2019
Dick Kruithof passed away at Bethany Care Home in Red Deer, Alberta, in the late evening of September 26, 2019. Born on October 14, 1929 in Rotterdam, Holland, Dick was just a few days away from celebrating his 90th birthday. This intelligent, talented, and witty man had an impressive journey through life.
In late April 1950, Dick, his brother Will, and their parents Huibrecht and Gertruida left a war-torn Holland and immigrated to Canada. After sailing for days on a ship called the Beaverbrae, he landed in Quebec City, then boarded a train which took him across Canada to Coaldale, Alberta. Originally a finishing carpenter by trade, he now worked with his family on a farm harvesting sugar beets. In October, their work was finished, and they were told that there were jobs in Rocky Mountain House. Upon arrival, there was actually no work to be had, so they headed for Sylvan Lake and then to Okotoks. Dick went alone instead to Red Deer and got a job at the Provincial Training School (P.T.S.), working with the mentally challenged. In Red Deer, he also found work for his family, and they were re-united. Soon, he got back to carpentry and worked for many years with local contractors building houses. In 1960, Dick joined the Red Deer City Hall, first as a Building Inspector, and then progressed to the position of Property Tax Assessment Supervisor. He retired in 1990, continued carpentry as a hobby, traveled, and became an accomplished oil painter of beautiful nature scenes.
Dick is survived by his wife of 54 years, Isabella, and his 5 children; Rob, Diane, Judy, Sue, and Rhonda. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 1 pm at Knox Presbyterian Church (4718 50th Street, Red Deer, AB). All are welcome to attend to reflect on the life of an amazing man.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.eventidefuneralchapels.com
Eventide Funeral Home