By Callum Ludwig
The Upper Yarra community is grieving the loss of a much-loved local resident at the start of this year as aged 92, Yarra Junction’s Hendrik ‘Henk’ Boer died on 30 December 2024.
The Star Mail was unaware of Henk’s death as the annual ‘Year in Review’ editions of the paper went off to print on Monday 6 January, with Henk and his dearest wife Gwyneth ‘Gwen’ featuring on the front page of the Upper Yarra and Mountain Views editions as one of the best photos of 2024. The Star Mail apologises if this causes friends or family of Henk any distress and hopes instead that it represents a happy memory of Henk and Gwen celebrating their remarkable 70th wedding anniversary only months prior in August 2024.
The Star Mail had the pleasure of visiting Henk and Gwen at their quaint and beautiful Yarra Junction home for that article, speaking to them about their storied lives and the secret to their long-lasting love for one another.
Henk was a long-time friend of the Star Mail, not only featuring in the story of his anniversary but also sharing his memories of World War Two as a child and the launch of his books; ‘The Journey to the Promised Land’ and ‘The Autobiography of Hendrik Boer: A Lifetime of Experiences and Memories’.
Born on 12 September 1932, Henk spent the early years of his life in the village of Sappameer in the Netherlands, including living through Nazi occupation during World War Two before immigrating to Australia with his family.
Upon arrival, the family eventually made their way to Victoria from Western Australia and upheld their family history of nearly 300 years as Henk and his brother set up a bakery in Wandin. Later they established Boer Bros, a food distribution business in Yarra Junction. The company was well known in the Valley, and beyond, operating successfully for more than 35 years and, at one time, employing up to 85 people.
Henk was also well-connected to a number of local community groups, such as the Wandin/Seville Uniting Church where he and Gwen were wed and local schools such as Upper Yarra Secondary College and Millwarra Primary School.
In his death notice published in the Herald Sun on Tuesday 7 January, Henk was described as a ‘beloved Dad, Opa and GrandOpa’ who ‘lived a full life contributing to God, family and country’ and died peacefully ‘after a short illness precipitated by his failing heart.’
Henk leaves behind his beloved Gwen, three sons, nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Henk’s funeral will be delayed due to Gwen’s health. Arrangements will be on the heritagefunerals.com.au website or contact geoff.boer@gmail.com
