SPITHOVEN, Martinus Antonius “Ries”

Martinus Antonius “Ries” Spithoven, who lived a remarkable life, passed away at the age of 96 in Valley Hospice, Kentville, NS on March 10, 2024. Ries was born in Haarlem, The Netherlands on April 29, 1927. He was the only son of Martinus and Jannie Spithoven. He was predeceased by sisters, Bep van der Wiel and Eda van Dam. He served in the Dutch Marines during the war. Before going into the marines, he met the love of his life Hendrina “Rini” (91) and they were married on May 10, 1951. They were married for 72 years. After the war, Ries with Rini and oldest daughter, Astrid, immigrated to Canada, and they landed at Pier 21 in Halifax on January 27, 1953. He became a master mason and a skilled carpenter and enjoyed his trade his entire life - which he passed along to his only son Roland. He liked being his own boss which led to him starting a small construction company with his good friend Karl Schmidt. From building schools to private homes Ries took great pride in his work. He is survived by his wife, Hendrina Maria Spithoven; son, Roland Spithoven; daughters, Astrid Wade (David), Yolanda Spithoven, Heidi Maclean (Paul) and Ingrid Prowse (Matt); grandchildren, Taylor Cook, Lance Wade (Sarah), Misty Wade Hovey (Tristan), Brandon Maclean, Sydney Maclean, Brennan Prowse, and Brittany Aiken (Joel); greatgrandchildren, Hudson and Hunter Hovey, Tucker Cook, Alaura and Adelynn Wade, Billie and Posie Aiken. He is also survived by his nephew, Rick van der Wiel and wife Monique van Gelooven from Holland who visited many times and together with Ries and Rini has wonderful adventures in Canada. His niece, Elly and husband Marinus van der Vooren have also stayed in touch over the years and hosted them many times in Holland. His closest friend and coffee buddy Donnie Nauss met every morning at 10 a.m. for coffee and chats. Throughout his long and fulfilling life, Ries traveled far and wide with Rini. They spent eight years in Florida, numerous trips to Australia, and travelled many parts of Europe. In his 90’s he still made a trip to Las Vegas and also to Cuba. He was a wonderful father to his five children, instilling in them the values of dedication, perseverance and kindness. Ries’s memory will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, hard work, and adventure will continue to inspire and guide those he leaves behind. The family would like to thank all the staff at Valley Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion they showed Ries in his final days. As per Ries’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. We invite you to make a donation to Valley Hospice in his honor, in lieu of flowers. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences and inquiries may be directed to: www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com