October 15, 2026
260
Bernardus Antonius Matheus (Bennie) te Vaarwerk of Tiverton, formerly of Eibergen, the Netherlands, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre in Kincardine, Oct. 8, 2026, at the age of 81.
Bennie was a man of few words and no nonsense. He was a devoted husband, father, 'Opi' and farmer.
Born and raised in the Netherlands, he started farming with his wife, Hermien, on a mixed dairy and pig farm. After visiting Canada once, he said, "Farming should be done in Canada and not in the home country," and moved with his family to Canada in 2001 to start a dairy farm in Arthur. In 2008, they moved to continue dairy farming in Tiverton, all the while, bringing with him the determination, knowledge and work ethic that had always been such an important part of who he was.
A true tinkerer at heart, he was also happy in his workshop, working with metal and making ordinary things just a bit better. Later on in life, he loved teaching his grandkids his skills and watching them make things.
He could also be found at the beach every Sunday, just having a coffee with his wife at the lake. Bennie did enjoy the little things in life.
When Alzheimer Disease became part of his life, he found pleasure in playing games with his grandchildren, being walked or later on, pushed by wheelchair, on trips through the barns and enjoying moments of togetherness with his family.
Even though Alzheimer's took away many parts of Bennie that made him special, he was able to stay at home with his family until the end.
He is survived by his wife, Hermien; his children, Jeroen (Lian), Karin (Jeroen) and Peter (Cailin); and grandchildren, Jeffrey, Monica and Rudy, Meike and Thijs, Paitra, Naomi and Jazzlyn.
Thanks to the Care Partners team for helping us take care of Dad at home until the end, and to the doctors and nurses at the Kincardine Hospital for the excellent care in his last days.
In keeping with the family's wishes no formal funeral or visitation will be held.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
Related Stories
No related stories.