Please see updated visitation and service information below.
John Howard Blaauwendraat - 67, Beaver Brook, passed away suddenly, due to health complications, on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at home. Born in Truro, he was a son of the late John and Vivian (Scott) Blaauwendraat.
He was raised on the family dairy farm. It was here that he and his wife of 41 years, Elizabeth "Betty" (Maskill) raised their three children and operated the picturesque Shady Lane Farm, on a hillside in Beaver Brook. Although it was a small herd, John was very proud to be a member of Holstein Association of Canada. His cows were all purebred Holsteins under the "Depol" prefix. More than 15 times, John was the recipient of Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia Excellence Award for quality milk production.
As a young man, John was a Scout Leader and was involved with 4H and Clifton Federation of Agriculture. Following in his father’s footsteps, he was an avid member of Central Nova Holstein Association. He and Betty often hosted the Holstein Club’s annual lobster supper in the hayloft of their barn. He supported Cobequid Elementary PTG; he and Betty never missed a dance. He also enjoyed getting out on a snowmobile with childhood friends and entertaining guests from the Udder Place Bed and Breakfast, run by his wife, Betty.
Other than farming and family, John was very passionate about motorcycles. He was an early member of AMCRA and raced at Atlantic Motorsport Park through the 70s and 80s. Though his racing career was short, he was a regular spectator at AMP, watching both of his sons race, often with his Hay Wagon Grandstand/Camper. In more recent years he enjoyed entertaining visitors, especially his grandchildren. He was amazed by babies and children; thoroughly enjoying making them giggle or trying to scare them.
John is survived by his children, John R. (Jaime) Blaauwendraat, Onslow Mountain; Marie (Chuck) Harrison, Beaver Brook; Brian (Brianna) Blaauwendraat, Princeport; grandchildren, Ava Harrison, Johnny Blaauwendraat, Ella Harrison, Nora Blaauwendraat, Hendrik Blaauwendraat, Brett Blaauwendraat, Zoe Blaauwendraat; siblings, Jean (Stephen) Babineau, Mary (George) Burns, Bruce (Marlene) Blaauwendraat. He is also survived by two aunts in Holland, an uncle in Ontario, nephews, cousins and many friends. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" (Maskill).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where John's family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2022, and funeral service 2 p.m., Thursday, September 15, 2022, The Reverend Lori Ramsey officiating. Interment in Old Barns Cemetery.
If so desired, donations in John’s memory to Nova Scotia Young Farmers are welcomed. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing John’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
John and his family appeared in a Sobeys commercial in 1990, entitled "People Like You" (On The Farm). He was very proud of this commercial and his family would like to share it with you. Click on the link below or copy and paste the link if it doesn't open
