Alexander Pieter Arnold Kraft van Ermel (Lex Kraft), passed away at Trinity Village Care Centre in Kitchener, Ont., at the age of 91.
In 1954, Lex came to Canada by boat from the Netherlands on an agricultural visa. He arrived alone at age 20, seeking to build a life “where the weather was better.” After a brief stint in farming, he founded Kraft’s Landscaping in Belle River, Ont., which became his life’s work and passion. Throughout his career, he was a longstanding member of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Assocation and the Lion’s Club.
In 2006, Lex was awarded an Alumni Member of Landscape Ontario, an honour bestowed on only a dozen or so individuals for their continued commitment to advancing the landscape and horticulture profession in the province.
Lex grew up in occupied Holland during the Second World War. This shaped him in many ways; food shortages, the sound of soldiers’ boots on cobblestone roads and the trauma of seeing good Jewish people being taken away. As a result, he taught his children to stay current on world events and to never waste, especially food. He read a lot and was an expert in all things related to the Second World War.
Lex loved animals and nature. He was actively landscaping until last year; always outdoors, always puttering. In Kingsville, Ont., their garden was a beautiful oasis of blossoms and bird visitors. At 90, Lex was still pruning trees and teaching those skills to his grandchildren.
Lex was old school. He had a strong work ethic and high standards. He was a MacGyver who created solutions out of whatever was on hand. He lived life on his own terms, was difficult and stubborn; but quirky and silly too. He taught his children many things. He loved sweets, good food, a beer after work, travel and dancing. He had beautiful blue eyes that twinkled with mischief. His active life kept him healthy and whole to a good old age. He will be missed very much.
Lex is survived by his partner of 22 years, Helen Howell of Harrow. He leaves behind three loving daughters, Elise Kraft van Ermel (Moe Danis), Annette Kraft van Ermel, Noelle Hall (Ben), in Waterloo. And grandchildren, Aaron Hanek (Louisa), Claire Danis, Jacob Hall, Sadie Hall, Michael Danis, Leah Danis (Marcus); and great-grandchildren, Margaret and Roslyn. We have been fortunate to build bonds with our Dutch family across the ocean over many years. Uncle Lex will be missed by nephews, Eduard (Claudia), Rudolf (Sandra) and Paul (Lida) and their children, niece Tanja, in The Netherlands, and his cousin Marietta in Paris.
Thank you to the caregivers, nurses and staff at Trinity Village for the excellent care they provided. And to his cherished partner Helen, a very special thank you for her endless patience and devoted care of dad during his later years with the onset of dementia.
Respecting Lex’s wishes, cremation has already taken place. A private family celebration to follow. A tree will be planted at Lakeside Park in Kingsville, Ont., to recognize Lex’s legacy of beautiful gardens and his contribution to horticulture in Essex County over the past 50 years.
Lex truly belonged outside among the trees. Forests Canada plants hope. If you would like to make a donation in Lex’s memory to Forests Canada or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, and for online condolences to the family, please visit www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8455 for details.
