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Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a new to planting and landscaping, the roots of many backyard spaces in Saskatchewan can be traced to a visit to Dutch Growers.
The man behind the garden centre business, Arie Van Duyvendyk, died peacefully on December 6, surrounded by his six children at Diamond House in Warman. He was 94.
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Arie and his wife Adrie opened Dutch Growers in Saskatoon in 1953. What began as a modest nursery business in Sutherland blossomed over the decades into a lifestyle store that now includes giftware and fashions.
Born on January 4, 1930, Van Duyvendyk immigrated to Canada from Holland in 1950. His vision and smart business sense built the foundation for what is now a thriving, three-generation family business.
Van Duyvendyk’s son Tim and wife Karen Van Duyvendyk started their own venture in 2005, opening a second Dutch Growers location in Regina.
Arie Van Duyvendyk’s vision and business sense built the foundation for what is now a thriving, three-generation family business at Dutch Growers. (Rick Van Duyvendyk/Submitted)
“Since he arrived in Saskatoon with a suitcase of clothes, my mother and father left an amazing legacy and through their hard work left incredible opportunities for generations of their family,” said Rick Van Duyvendyk, Arie’s son.
Since Van Duyvendyk passing, cards and notes have poured in from past employees and customers speaking about his patience and willingness to share his endless knowledge.
“I have been in awe of the notes from associations and businesses that talked of the impact and integrity and legacy he had,” Rick said.
“Arie’s legacy is certainly more than a business. He showed us the importance of nurturing not just plants, but relationships, ideas, and our community.”
You don’t have visit their store to receive landscaping and gardening advice, as the Van Duyvendyk family continues to share their knowledge on the airwaves as the hosts of Garden Talk, heard every Sunday on 650 CKOM and 980 CJME.
The funeral service for Arie Van Duyvendyk will be held at the Sutherland Evangelical Church on Friday at 1:30 p.m. The service will be live streamed at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com.
