Obituary of John Van Haren

We are saddened to announce the passing of John Peter Van Haren of Ridgetown on Friday, November 3, 2023, at the age of 88. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years Betty (Toonen), and sons Patrick (Karin), Steven (Jessica) and Scott (Lori). He was the proud Opa to Christopher, Scott, Michaela, Nicholas, Theodor and Alexandria. Dear brother to Adrian (Marisa) Van Haren of Ridgetown, as well as Annie (Jan) van Oostveen, Bets (Leo) van der Eyk, Harrie (Truus) Van Haren and Jos (Kiek) Van Haren of Holland. Dear brother-in-law of Annie and Dora Van Haren, Albert (Mieke) Toonen, Jose Cras, Reitje (Ans) Toonen and Willem (Daantje) Toonen. Predeceased by several siblings and in-laws. He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews and their families.

John Peter was born October 7, 1935 in Velp, Holland. He went to agricultural school in Holland, and served as a Sergeant in the Dutch Military. He met Betty in Holland and immigrated to Ontario in 1964. Betty soon followed and they were married in Russell, near Ottawa, in 1965. They resided for a period in Blenheim, Ontario, before finding their dream farm in Ridgetown, where they stayed for the rest of their lives. They became active members of their community and were members of St. Michael’s Church in Ridgetown.

John started as a pork producer but quickly became a leader in genetics for pork production. He was one of the first farmers to import swine genetics from Holland, and he helped develop the breeding stock in 70 family farms and businesses across Ontario and Quebec. He also regularly exported breeding stock to other countries. John was a leader in the Ontario Swine Improvement organization, as well as Quality Swine. He was a regular champion at the Ontario Pork Congress and the Royal Winter Fair (1986 Premier Exhibitor award).   

John was also a leader of the Kent 4-H Swine Club, Kent Pork Producers Association, and a contributor to the Kent Federation of Agriculture. He and Betty were inducted into the Chatham-Kent County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2006. Friends have stated that they had courage and a lot of vision; that they have been great Canadians; they were committed to whatever they needed to do, and they put their best into everything. Whatever John did, he did with all his heart and soul.

Never one to take it easy, John enjoyed an active career in breeding Friesan horses after retiring from the pig business, regularly importing horses from Holland with his brother Jo. John was also an active member of the Ridgetown Rotary Club and was often seen driving his horses in town for parades and the Porches and Verandas event where they transported “the Queen”.

In honour of our Father's life we are holding visitation on Thursday November 9,2023 beginning in the afternoon 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. and again in the evening from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. A funeral mass will be held the following day on November 10th, 2023, at 1:00p.m. at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church with interment at Greenwood Cemetery.

Donations made in memory of John to the Alzheimer Society Chatham-Kent, the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Ridgetown Rotary Club would be appreicated. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
76 Main Street East, Ridgetown
519-674-3141