Sobey Wall of Honour
Column
64
Row
5
Date of Birth: May 15, 1937
Ship Name: Waterman
Port of Entry: Pier 21, Halifax
Date of Arrival: August 30, 1956
Age on Arrival: 19
Born in the Netherlands on May 15th, 1937 in the city of Delft
I emigrated in 1956 and landed August 30, 1956. I was sponsored by a Canadian soldier, Eddy DeBoard, who became a good friend of my father at the end of the war. I met my wife, Cornelia Arkeveld, late 1959. She was already here with her family. Corrie came over on the "Grote Beer" in 1954. I had the privilege to be on board of the "Waterman".
We married April 7, 1962 and have made Brockville our home base ever since.
We have three children, Ellisa, Peter and Amanda, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
I started work two days after arriving in Halifax. Worked for 1.5 weeks on the Seaway Project, but found employment at DuPont Canada, Maitland Site, ON. Was hired by Grant MacKay, an ex WW II RAF gunner, who was shot down over Holland and was rescued by a Dutch family. A Dutch-Canadian relationship right at the beginning!
Remained at DuPont for 52 years, 46 as a regular employee and 6 years consulting.
Worked myself from the bottom up, learned how to operate a chemical plant, also in supervisory positions. Obtained a Technologist degree in chemistry and over the years was transferred to the Process Group, Technical organization and Project Construction group. At the end of my career I became an Associate Quality Coordinator, implementing ISO 9002 and obtain Kosher and Halal certification for one of our products. I always enjoyed working with teams.
Used my spare time with care and eventually obtained a Technologist degree in Architectural Design and Drafting.( my stepmother always wanted me to be an Architect!) I designed approx. 1000 homes and small commercial buildings from 1965 to just recently.
I have always been interested in sports having won two Dutch and one Canadian rowing championship. Switched over to sailing a Soling in 1972 and took part in two world championships. Was Commodore of the Brockville Yacht Club from 1991 to 1993.
