We, the family, are sad to announce the passing of Hans William Bouma, 87, of Robertville, NB, on October 30, 2025, at the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst, NB. Hans passed peacefully with family by his side following a brief illness.
Hans is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty (White); son Michael (Gina) of Robertville; daughter Andrea (Roger) of Bathurst; and son Jason (Gail) of Truro, NS. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kristen, Emma, Holly, Marshall (Jillian), Dylan, Kyle, Callum, and Reagan, who were his greatest pride; his sisters Elly and Jane (Clifford); and brother Peter (Leda). Hans is further survived by sisters-in-law Geraldine (Steve), Gemma and Carolyn (Bill), and brothers-in-law Rodney, Jasper, and Cecil.
Hans was predeceased by his parents Gerard and Wilhelmina Bouma; brother Gerald (Gemma); sister Willie (Jasper); sisters-in-law Sandra and Gail; and brothers-in-law Marc and Roland.
Born in 1938, Hans immigrated to Canada from Amersfoort the Netherlands in 1954 with his family and settled in the West Bathurst area. The second-oldest child, he and two of his siblings did not return to school but went to work to help support the family. He spent many years in mining exploration, travelling throughout Canada and North America. At age 25, after being out of school for 10 years, he challenged UNB as a mature student and completed 2.5 years of the Engineering program before choosing full-time employment at Noranda Mines.
Hans had many passions and hobbies. He played hockey well into his 70s with his “Geritol crew” hockey team, was a dedicated Montreal Canadiens fan, enjoyed reading, playing cards, gardening and spending time outdoors, as well as Friday night dinners at the Atlantic Host with their friends. Hans treasured family gatherings, especially since his birthday fell on the August long weekend. He never missed an opportunity for a poolside celebration at the farm…Or anywhere for that matter!
His greatest passion was agriculture. In the late ‘60’s he started a hobby farm and beef operation. After a lengthy career in the mining industry, he converted the farm to start milking cows and with the help and support of his family, created Grant’s Brook Farms and grew the business into a modern dairy operation milking 120 cows. Hans’ dedication to agriculture included serving on numerous boards and organizations that helped shape the agricultural industry in New Brunswick and beyond. Never shy to voice his opinion or stand up for what he believed in, his stewardship of the agricultural industry led to many accolades including his induction into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2020. Hans was also a driving force behind the Bathurst Agricultural Society, where he was still serving as president at the time of his passing, and was active in supporting local farmers’ markets and woodlot associations.
A man filled with passion, intelligence, genuine curiosity, and a desire to always stay informed, Hans loved nothing more than a good debate on nearly any topic. His work ethic was unparalleled, and he has passed on many of his values and passions to his children and grandchildren, who; along with his entire family, will miss him deeply.
Visitation will be held on Thursday November 6, from 7 – 9 at Elhatton’s Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. from Holy Family Church on Friday November 7, 2025.
Donations can be made to the Bathurst area Milk Fund or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home, Bathurst (www.elhatton.com).
