On May 4th, 2024, Robbert J. Oudenaarden died at home on Salt Spring Island, BC, at the age of 92, just short of his 93rd birthday.
Robbert is survived by his wife, Jane Oudenaarden-Lynch, and his daughter, Elisabet (Sandra) Ungerson-Oudenaarden.
Robbert was born on June 27th, 1931, in Surabaya, Indonesia. He visited the Netherlands for the first time in 1938 and did not return until the mid-1950s, when he caught up on schooling that he missed because he was interned during the war. He went on to study Tropical Agriculture at Wageningen University. Then he made the big decision to start the next chapter of his life in Canada.
Starting with Sweeny Cooperage, he built a life and a family. Following his strong entrepreneurial drive, he then opened his own barrel furniture manufacturing operation, prior to starting the Best Canadian Bed & Breakfast Network decades before Airbnb was on anyone’s mind.
Retiring to Salt Spring Island began a new chapter of volunteering. Agencies he contributed his time and talent to include the Chamber of Commerce, Tourist Information Centre, and Food program at Sendial for Thrifty Foods. He was also a regular at the Dutch Clutch meetings. He loved people, good food, and sharing his gifts and talents with those he had the opportunity to meet.
A celebration of life event will take place at Fulford Hall, on June 27th, 2024, between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., at 2591 Fulford-Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island. We invite anyone who has been touched by his life or interests to join us in celebrating the life and warmth he shared with so many of us while he was here.
I got to meet Bob when he volunteered at the Visitor Info Centre where I found him to be a thoughtful listener. He had a twinkle in his eye that let one know he was thinking of some great idea. I found him to be so kind, patient & pleasantly optimistic that he “buoyed” the people around him. We’ve lost a good soul.