Obituary of Teunis Haalboom
Parents:
Jacoba and Aris Haalboom
Sisters:
Paula Pijl Hogeweg (Kees Pijl Hogeweg)
Ann Steenland (Roger Steenland)
Children and Grandchildren:
John Haalboom; Christopher Haalboom
James Haalboom; Morgan Haalboom
Jackie McKenzie (Jack Dennison); Jonathan and Brennan McKenzie
Terry Haalboom (Lynne Haalboom); Alex, Sarah, Shon, Jackie and Max Haalboom
Helen Ruetz (John Ruetz); Tom, Eric and Heidi Ruetz
Teunis was born in The Netherlands and lived there during the occupation of Holland during WWII as a young teenager. He remembers everything being rationed and going hungry. He left The Netherlands for Canada with Gelderke Geertruida (Trudy) Tanis, at the age of 18. He did not want to be conscripted to the army, so he followed his favourite uncle, Jan Derk Haalboom, who had already gone to Canada with his family.
Upon arrival in Canada, they realized that they were expecting a baby. Teunis became a young father at the age of 19 and was soon blessed with 4 more children. He stated that the best part about being a father was helping to guide his children through the early parts of their life and teaching them about family life, relationships, and sharing.
Being in charge was something Teunis excelled at. He started his career path on a potato farm as a live-in farmhand and began his practice of never speaking Dutch, insisting on perfecting his English language skills. He joined the Co-Operators in 1955 as a trainee at head office in Toronto and rose through the ranks until he was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in 1970. When he retired, he volunteered for an international insurance cooperative and spent time helping companies in Africa.
Teunis met and married his soulmate, Anne Chamberlain, and they had many wonderful years together. Teunis and Anne were welcoming, mentoring, and encouraging. Together they provided an example of joint partnership for his children and grandchildren. Similar to Anne, Teunis would like to leave the following message to his friends and family:
“Please help me make my final footprint positive and light. Instead of a funeral, make that visit or call that you've been putting off, write the long overdue note of appreciation, or if you haven't been kind to yourself lately, here is the time. I am very sure that such things will do more good and bring more comfort.
My final request is for a toast on Saturday around 5 pm. Please raise a glass of scotch, wine, juice, or whatever; wherever you happen to be; with whoever you choose to be with; smile and toast our wonderful shared journey. This is something my far-flung international friends and family can participate in, too. Thank you for these final gifts.”
Cremation arrangements entrusted to Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo. Condolences for the family and donations to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.