Obituary of Reinder Van der Kooi

VAN DER KOOI, Reinder, age 91, of Shubenacadie, passed away Monday, September 15, 2025 in Debert Court, Debert.  Born in Stiens, Friesland, Holland, he was a son of the late Wiebe and Joukje (Dykstra) Vander Kooi.

Reinder came to Canada at the age of 18, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax on November 2, 1952 along with his family, aboard the Dutch vessel, Groote beer.  Already trained as a mechanic in Holland, Reinder had to find work in his new country.  He, his parents and siblings lived in Nine Mile River and were sponsored by a Cruikshank family.  Reinder drove a truck for Raymond MacPhee, then he worked for Nauglers Garage in Elmsdale, Scotia Equipment on Brunswick Street, Halifax; the Esso Service Centre in Shubenacadie East; the Co-Op Service Centre, Milford; and Scotia Equipment (Parts for Trucks) from where he retired from full time work.  Reinder was employed at Scothorn’s Equipment after that and enjoyed working on farm equipment alongside his son during his time there.       

Reinder is survived by his children, Craig Van der Kooi, Sherry Van der Kooi, Christine (George) Blois and Michael Van der Kooi, grandchildren, Jessica, Dale, Taylor and Krista, great grandchildren, Jordan, Adrien, Jevon, Dante and Khalin; siblings, Joukje Hubley; Jenny MacPhee; Hendrikje (Dennis) Avery; Oege (Linda)Van der Kooi; Sipkje Densmore; Pietje (Garry) Bassani and Bill (Kathy) Van der Kooi; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Lois (Langille) Van der Kooi; and his sister, Ann Boursma.

Visitation will be held 6-8PM Wednesday, September 17 in Ettinger Funeral Home, Shubenacadie, from where the funeral service will be held 2PM Thursday, September 18, Rev. Natalie Buchanan-Rutherford officiating. A livestream of the service will be available at: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=3fd32ee8-358b-46e1-b2c1-50f46742ba9e (We recommend that you pre-register for the stream to assure your success)

  Reception to follow the service.  Burial will take place in Brookside Cemetery, Mill Village.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada.

Thank you to the staff at Debert Court for the care shown to Dad over the past 2 years.

Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Reinder may be shared with the family at: www.ettingerfuneralhome.com