TENYENHUIS, Gerrit "Jerry" ~ Age 81, of Kentville, formerly of Waterville and Aldershot, Kings Co., N.S., passed away peacefully and went home  to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Grand View Manor, Berwick. Born on January 16, 1945, in Emmen, Drenthe, the Netherlands, he was a son of the late Engbert "Bert" and Roelfien (de Lange) te Nijenhuis.

Along with his entire family, Jerry immigrated to Canada in 1958, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax and was a proud Dutch Canadian. Always a hard worker, he went to work at age 14 in the grocery business in Canning and Kentville, later becoming the produce manager at IGA. Jerry was a man of faith and a long-time member of Kentville Christian Reformed Church, who was devoted to the various offices he served. He once was a Voortman Cookie salesman, with clients in the Annapolis Valley and beyond. Jerry and May owned and operated the Dutch Canadian Shoppe in New Minas, first in the Towers Mall and later on Commercial Street, with 32 years of service to the community. He then was employed as a delivery driver for Vails Dry Cleaning & Laundry, New Minas, doing what he loved to do best - being behind the wheel.

Known affectionately as Opa to his grandchildren, who will remember him for his style, wit, treats and making his famous rollade roasts. Jerry had a unique sense of humour, could arrange flowers, make fruit salad and meat trays for any occasion and was faithful to all who were close to his heart. In retirement, he enjoyed a morning coffee and breakfast at McDonalds in New Minas and Coldbrook with old and new friends. Jerry returned to his homeland on several occasions and always proudly wore his orange and keenly took an interest in the lives and happenings of all who shared his Dutch heritage. He made many work related trips to Ontario, collected many things, loved to watch his favourite TV shows and attend basketball games.

Surviving are his loving and caring wife of 58 years, the former Maja I. "May" Boersma; children, Julia Tenyenhuis; David (Michele) Tenyenhuis, all of Kentville; Elaine (Bryce) Johnstone, Waterville; Melissa (Ian Nordin) Tenyenhuis, Kentville; grandchildren, Kristen (Travis) Marshall, Adrian Johnstone, Mitchell and Kyle Tenyenhuis, Erin Tenyenhuis, Ryan and Emma Clarke; sisters, Lainey (the late John) Rozema, Sarnia, Ontario; Elsina (Frank) Radsma, Jordan, Ontario; Gretha (John) Hutten, Centreville; brothers, John (June) Tenyenhuis, Toronto, Ontario; Elzo (Marijke) Tenyenhuis, Kincardine, Ontario; sister-in-law, Barb (Cecil) Frere, Welland, Ontario; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brother, Lammert Tenyenhuis; sister, Sietske "Sieta" (Clarence) VanderHeide; special nephew, Jan Michael Hutten.

Visitation will take place from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m., on Friday in Canard Community Church (home of Kentville Christian Reformed Congregation), 1315 Highway 341, Upper Canard, from where the funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 28. Pastor Justin Halbersma officiating, with a reception to follow. Burial will take place in Lakeview Cemetery, Lakeville, at a later date. Family flowers only, donations in his memory may be made to Diabetes Canada, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, I.W.K. Health Centre Foundation, Halifax, or to your favourite charity.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and nursing staff at Valley Regional Hospital and Grand View Manor who cared for Jerry in his final months. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448.  Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

Alles wat adem heeft, loof de HEER. Halleluja!

-         Psalm 150:6