May 15, 2009
Landscape Ontario lost an industry pioneer on Mon., Apr. 13, 2009. Harry Bakker, founder of Maple Leaf Nurseries, passed away at the age of 76.  

The funeral service took place at Reformed Church in St. Catharines on Sat., Apr. 18, with interment at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens, in Fonthill.

Harry Bakker died peacefully surrounded by his family at McNally House in Grimsby.  He leaves his wife of 48 years Nell and four children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Audrey Sikkema (Ted) and their children Michelle (Aaron), Doug (Vanessa), Dave, Rebecca (James), Mike, Matt, Dave Bakker (Kim) and their children Jeff, Kelsey, Brittany, Ryan, Jessica; Conny Drost (Don) and their children Dan, Justin, Mitch and Mack; Benita VanZalen (Mike) and their child Devon. Harry’s great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Levi and will have fond memories of their Great Opa.

Caption: A vintage photo of Harry Bakker hand planting