The Arends family
My deepest sympathy to the family on the passing of your dad!
He is now at peace and with your mom.,as he wanted.
My thoughts are with you!
Love to all
Mary Bromley
ARENDS, Hermanus
1931 - 2025
Hermanus (Hans) Arends went to be with the Lord and to reunite with his beloved wife Peta on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Hans was born on July 5, 1931, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and grew up in the small village of Doorn, just outside Utrecht. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Ted and Bert.
He is survived by his six children: Gerald (Helene) of Kitchener, Paul (Catherine) of Pembroke, Hans Jr. of Hamilton, Ralph (Paula) of Thornton, Ontario, Jeanette of Ottawa, and Monique (Jarett) of Cantley, Quebec.
In 1955, Hans married Peta Boer, whom he met on the local bus. Shortly after their wedding, they immigrated first to Australia where they had their first son. Afterward, they briefly returned to the Netherlands, and then eventually settled in Canada. There, the Lord blessed them with five more children.
In 1962, while standing in line to apply for a job with the TTC in Toronto, Hans overheard that Colonial Coach Lines was also hiring bus drivers. He applied on the spot and was hired. He went on to drive for Colonial, and later Voyageur Colonial, until his retirement in 1995. Over the years, he rose to #2 in seniority, giving him his choice of routes.
Hans and Peta lived in Bowmanville, Toronto, Pembroke, Petawawa, Westmeath, Montreal, and Ottawa, eventually retiring to Tollendale Retirement Community in Barrie. In recent years, they resided at Riverpath Retirement Residence in Ottawa.
Hans was a devoted provider, always making sure the family was cared for. Even in the early years at Colonial, when winter layoffs were common, he consistently found work to support his household.
Hans trusted Christ as his Saviour and wanted others to know this truth. He was an active member of the Christian Reformed Church and took part in many church activities. At home, it was a cherished tradition to read a short passage from the Bible at dinnertime each day.
Retirement became a time of adventure for Hans and Peta. As dedicated RV owners, they explored Canada, Alaska, Mexico, and the United States. Their other travels took them to New Zealand, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Australia, and also back to the Netherlands to visit family.
Hans loved riding his motorcycle, enjoyed fixing things, and took pride in finding a good deal. His practical, down-to-earth nature made him easy to appreciate and hard to forget.
Hans’s legacy lives on through his twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. We will deeply miss Hans—especially the joyful family gatherings for his birthday on July 5 each year. But we are comforted knowing he is now with the Lord and reunited with Peta. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada or the Christian Reformed Church.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Calvary Christian Reformed Church 3782 Russell Road, Ottawa on Wednesday June 18, 2025 at 11:00am Interment to follow at the Ramsayville Cemetery.
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