Adrian Huvenaars

1934 - 2026

 It is with great sadness and love that we announce the passing of Adrianus Wilhelmus Huvenaars, beloved husband, dad, opa and great-opa, who was finally released from this life to the next on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the age of 91 years.

Adrian is survived by Wilma, his beloved wife of sixty-five years; daughter Laureen (Art) Roesler of Lethbridge and their children Jonathan (Tia), Kristen (Joel) and their children Briggs, Camilla and Remy; Mark (Courtney) and their children Brinley and Ally, and Timothy (Jaycee) and their child Ivy; son Michael (Susan) Huvenaars of Calgary and their children Lily and James (Rosie); son Paul (Monique) Huvenaars of Hays and their children Renee, Anika and Joshua; son Joseph (Vicki) Huvenaars of Taber; daughter Caroline (Olwen) of Edmonton and their children Trinity and Jonah. He is also survived by his brother Jan Huvenaars; sisters-in-law Angeline Huvenaars and Anneke Huvenaars.

He was predeceased by his parents Martina and Johannes Huvenaars; grandson Adam Roesler and granddaughter Zoe Lepps; six brothers Theo, William, Peter, Martin, Frans and Andre Huvenaars; two sisters Mien Huvenaars and Lies Van den Broek; brother-in-law Gerard Van den Broek; sisters-in-law Netta, Tillie, Annelies and Dora Huvenaars.

Adrian was born in 1934 in Uden, The Netherlands. He married Wilma van den Berg in June of 1960 and they immigrated to Canada the same year. They began their new life in Coaldale, working as farm hands here and later in Lucky Strike before settling down on their farm in Hays in 1967. They continued farming until they retired to their acreage in Taber in 1999.

While he would often refer to himself as a simple farmer, those who knew him well understood that the word "simple" was quite the understatement. Adrian worked the land and raised livestock with determination, patience and ingenuity, but he also knew that the most important things in life were not always measured in acres or yields. He believed deeply in tending what had been entrusted to him, whether that was soil, family, friendships, or faith, and allowing time, care and grace to do their work.

Adrian found joy and lived fully in life’s simple things: a good cup of coffee, a friendly game of cards, bowling and curling, time spent with family and friends, woodworking to make a special gift, and the quiet pleasure of caring for his fish, birds and gardens. He loved to woodwork, dance and to laugh out loud. Adrian was proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, taking great joy in their lives and accomplishments.

Rooted in his Catholic faith, Adrian understood that growth, whether in the garden or in life, comes through patience, honesty and care. His faith was steady rather than showy, expressed most clearly through his hard work, humility and the love he had for his family. Adrian lived a life of service to others, such as when he volunteered along with fellow Knights of Columbus in the food truck at various events.

As we remember Adrian, we do so with sorrow, but also with hope. We trust that he now rests in God’s care, having completed his earthly work. Adrian would not wish for grand gestures in his memory, but rather that we live well, by caring for one another, noticing the beauty of creation, sharing time generously, and giving thanks for the simple blessings of each day. His final message is to “Be fair and good to everyone, take care of each other, I have always loved you”.

Relatives and friends were invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber, on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. A private burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Adrian’s name may be made directly to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1T4 or simply by honouring him in the way he lived, by tending something living, pausing for a good cup of coffee, and spending time with those you love.