Obituaries

Peter passed away peacefully at the Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the age of 87 years. His sons were by his side. Peter was the dear husband of Heather Strybosch. He was the devoted father of Steven (Laura), Jeffrey (Amy), Kevin (Tara), and Kris. He was the cherished Opa of Paige (Adam), Aidan, Zoe (Brandon), Liam, Lia, Skyla, Ella, and Raina. He was also the loving Great Opa to Scarlett and Hayes. Peter will be greatly missed by his sisters Rieky, Tonnie, Hennie, Marjan (Gerard) and brother Henk. Loved by all his nieces and nephews near and far Bonita, Yvonne, Andrew, Jaclyn, Sascha, Gary, Franco, Antoine, David and Sheryl.

The many many friends and acquaintances, Bob and Judy, neighbours, employees, the doctors, nurses and all who helped Peter along the way. Peter would want to thank you all.

Peter was born in the Netherlands, Tijgerstraat 3, Tivoli Geldrop the son of Antonius and Petranella Strybosch. He came to Canada as an immigrant in November of 1957, having to learn the English language. Peter immediately started working at Smith Corona fixing typewriters. He bought his Mom appliances with his earnings.

It wasn't long after that Peter got his start in the Landscaping business, when he met and went to work for a fellow Dutchman who did garden maintenance and lawn mowing. He ended up acquiring his own clients and opening his first business “Agincourt Lawn and Landscaping" in the 1960’s.

Peter and Heather married on labour day 1961. In 1964 they welcomed their first son, Steven and in 1968 their second son Jeffrey. When the 1970’s came along, Peter and Heather moved to a larger property in Milliken on Steeles Ave, on the border of Scarborough and Markham. This is where Peter started Hoek Van Holland Nursery and Landscaping. The twins, Kris and Kevin were born in 1971.

Peter always had a passion for being outdoors and around animals. He loved hunting. He wanted his boys to experience his love of nature and from an early age trained them to work outside and take care of a vast array of different tame and wild animals. He raised and bred hunting dogs but also had chickens, rabbits, pheasants, peacocks, crows, cats and ferrets. Peter hunted and fished over the years. He would go on fishing trips on floatplanes with his buddies. He did this up to the age of 80. He was an excellent cook, often inviting friends and family to partake of the wild game that he had brought back from hunting trips.

In the 80’s Peter decided the family were going to get into the bakery business. The 4 boys recall having to learn to make bread and buns at Peter’s bun stop ! But Peter didn't stop there. He started a restaurant called Captain Fantastic and built a motel that was a Days Inn 24/7.

Peter and Heather were well known in Lindsay for cooking up a storm with the Captain’s breakfast. If you ever were there, you would know what that was like! Unbelievable or Peter would say in Dutch Ongelooflijk!

Peter was an entrepreneur who was street smart and was one of a kind with his business savvy, starting up different businesses and having his wife and boys back him up. He was proud of his 4 boys and happy to see them follow in his footsteps when they opened their own businesses. Steven and Kevin carry on the Hoek Van Holland Landscaping legacy and Jeffery and Kris at Kawartha Wholesale Bakery in Lindsay.

Peter was a strong man and had a heart of gold. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Peter’s life will be held at a later date with details to come.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation or Kawartha Lakes Community Care.