Obituary of Johannes den Boer

February 18, 1929 - The Hague, Netherlands

December 25, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Hans den Boer of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Christmas morning, Wednesday, December 25, 2024, two months shy of his 96th birthday. His passing was one year after that of his beloved wife, Helena Aleida den Boer (“Helen”, “Lenie”), on Saturday, January 6, 2024.

Hans spent Christmas Eve dinner with his family, who take solace not just from this precious opportunity to see and be with him before he passed, but also from the fact that he had such a long life. The family are also comforted by knowing that he and Helen, high-school sweethearts of 75 years, are now reunited.

Hans is survived by his daughter, Claudia (Wheatley, ON), two sons: Lennert (Calgary, AB), and Mark (Vancouver, BC); four grandchildren: James, Matthew, Leanne, and Megan; and three great-grandchildren: Jubilee, Phinehas, and Verse. Hans is also survived by his younger brother Boudewijn den Boer, sister-in-law Annie den Boer, and their children, as well as by his extended family in Holland.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jan den Boer (1903-79) and Jacoba van den Berg (1903-1950), and by his brother, Pieter Johannes den Boer (1926-2016).

Hans was born on February 18, 1929, in The Hague, Holland. He met his future wife Helen in high school, where they began their lifetime relationship, marrying on November 4, 1954.

Academically gifted, Hans was fascinated with mathematics and science, studying Geology and Geophysics at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands. He graduated cum laude in 1957 with dual doctorates in both subjects.

The deprivations Hans and Helen suffered during the Nazi occupation of Holland in WWII deeply impacted them. They would always remember their gratitude for being liberated by Canadian soldiers.

At the urging of their best friends Heinz and Marthe Veerman, Hans and Helen emigrated to Canada in 1957. They departed Holland shortly after Hans’ graduation from university and the birth of their first child, Claudia.

In Canada, Hans built a career for himself in the Oil & Gas industry, joining Mobil Oil and becoming a pioneer in geophysics and the burgeoning new field of computer science. Hans had many interests, including travelling, soccer, hiking, skiing, sailing, oil painting, and pottery. He even designed and built a little dream cabin in the Canadian Rockies in 1974.

Throughout his life, Hans believed in giving back to the community and helping those in need. He actively participated in various organizations, such as Meals on Wheels and Inn from the Cold. Hans and Helen were also very active members of the former Riverview United Church (now Living Spirit) and the Elbow Springs Golf Club.

Hans will be remembered for his intellect, sense of humour, generosity, kindness, and desire to help others.

A Celebration of Hans’ Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Reception will follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

For those unable to attend, a recording of the service will be posted here following the celebration.

If desired, memorial tributes may be made in Hans’ name directly to a charity of choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Hans’ family here.

In living memory of Johannes den Boer, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-243-8200.