Frank M. Berkelaar – 76, Harmony, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, August 14, 2016, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Vinkeveen, Holland, he was a son of the late Jan and Anneke (van Rossunn) Berkelaar and immigrated to Canada in 1953.
When he was 19, Frank began to work at Truro Livestock Auction run by Veterinarian, Brian Nettleton. In 1960 Frank attended the auction school in Mason City, Iowa. In 1974 Frank purchased Maritime Cattle Market from Dr. Nettleton and continued to build the business and reputation of the Market, expanding its services to include sales of all types of farm animals, farm machinery, hay, milk quota, etc. Frank had other business interests as well; he and George Lacey partnered on Island Livestock Sales in Charlottetown and also in a business known as "Bulb Barn". As a result of their promotional and sales expertise, Dutch tulip bulbs popped up in gardens throughout the Atlantic Provinces. Frank also partnered with his brother, Peter, in operations on their home farm in Debert; they were involved in the production of cattle and crops such as onions and sweet corn.
Frank was an avid supporter of the 4-H movement and did whatever he could to support the activities of this organization. Since its inception, Frank routinely provided complimentary auctioneering services to Nova Scotia 4-H Steer and Lamb Sale. In addition, church groups, firefighter’s organizations and many charitable auctions have benefitted from his auctioneering skills. In April 2001 Frank was made an Honourary Member of Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists - an award which recognized his expertise and commitment to the local agricultural industry. Perhaps the greatest contribution by Frank to the agricultural industry has been his role as a trusted advisor to farmers over the past 40 years. He was an extremely well respected voice for the livestock industry and had readily transferred this knowledge at the weekly sales, on the farm and at producer meetings. He served on the ministerial task force on the beef industry in the mid-1990s, ensuring a balanced approach to discussion of issues and the development of policy. The BSE crisis caused devastation on many farms, but it would have been even more serious without Frank and Maritime Cattle Market. Frank was inducted into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2008.
Frank is survived by his spouse, Sally (MacLean) Archibald, Harmony; daughter, Cheryl Archibald (Steve Kunz), Lumsden, Saskatchewan; grandchildren, Jackie Archibald, Calgary, Alberta; Adam Archibald, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories; Justin Archibald, Tatamagouche; sisters, Ria (Rex) Hodgson, Musquodoboit Harbour; Marrie Berkelaar, Maders Cove, Lunenburg County; brothers, John (Joanne) Berkelaar, Bible Hill; Peter (Jannie) Berkelaar, Malagash; Gus Berkelaar (Sonia), Vancouver, British Columbia; several nieces and nephews. Special thanks are extended to the Palliative Care Unit of Colchester East Hants Health Centre and to our family, friends and colleagues for your love and support.
Celebration of Frank’s life will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, August 20, 2016, at Atlantic Stockyard Ltd (formerly Maritime Cattle Market), 48 Greenfield Road, Murray Siding. Reception will follow. Private family interment in Belmont Cemetery. If so desired, donations in Frank’s memory to Palliative Care Unit (CEHHC) or Belmont Cemetery are welcomed.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Frank’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com