March 4, 1943 – January 13, 2023
It is with great sadness, that the family of Bart Huisman announce his peaceful passing, in his 80th year, at NHS-St. Catharines Site.
Beloved husband and best friend of Karen (nee Keeling), who would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in May of this year. He will be dearly missed by his three children: son, Robert “Bob” of St. Catharines; daughter, Lori and husband Steve Hallsworth of Jordan; son, Bradley and wife Rachel (nee Thomson) of St. Catharines. Opa cherished and was so very proud of his four grandchildren: Aidan and Claire Hallsworth and Payne and Parker Huisman.
Bart was the son of the late Jansje and Willem Huisman of St. Catharines. A very respected family who immigrated to Canada from Vollenhove, Holland, in 1949. Bart was the youngest of five children: late sister, Mary and John Van Benthem, of Vineland, late brother, Henry (wife Anke), of Smithville; late sister, Irene and Ron Matthews, of St. Catharines and brother, Chris and wife Sharon, of Jordan. Bart was also brother-in-law to his wife Karen’s twin sister, Sharon and her husband, the late David Coutts, and the late Glenn Keeling and wife Mary. Survived by many special nieces and nephews.
Bart was a prominent grape grower in Niagara for the last 60 years, involved in many aspects of the industry and maintaining one of Niagara’s premier vineyards. He was crowned Grape King in 1982 which made his parents and family very proud. Not knowing what a grape vine was when arriving in Canada. Bart, and his father, had a belief in hard work while at the same time learning to adapt and change as the industry demanded.
An avid traveller, Bart loved to talk about his travels and friendships made while cruising around the world. A particular favourite destination for Bart and Karen was Aruba, to which they travelled many times. Bart enjoyed newspapers, documentaries and reading about history and was always keen to discuss his latest insights.
Our thanks to Dr. Fielding and the late Dr. Whitty, whom Bart had the greatest respect and appreciation, for all their care and concern. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the hard-working staff at Niagara Health who were so compassionate and helpful during Bart’s short stay. As per family wishes, cremation has taken place and private family goodbyes will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca
Those we love don’t go away
they walk beside us everyday
unseen, unheard but always
near. So loved, so missed,
so very dear.