Kornelis "Kais" Deelstra

Kornelis (“Kais”) Deelstra of Bedford, NS, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on March 29, 1944, in Hallum, Netherlands, he was the son of Jentje and Aukje Deelstra, both predeceased, and brother to Pieter (Netherlands) and the late Ruurd and Gerrie.

Kais immigrated to Canada in 1963 and earned his B.Sc. (1968) and M.Sc. (1969) in Agriculture from the University of Guelph. He had a long and respected career in agricultural service and was honoured as a Fellow of the Agricultural Institute of Canada, the highest distinction that can be bestowed on a member.

Kais is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Beverley Lynn (Halse); his son Peter Deelstra (Laura) of Austin, TX, and grandchildren Kira and Ryan; and his daughter Paula Boyd (Robert, predeceased) of Halifax, NS, her children Maya and Riley, and her partner Matt Veinotte with sons Lucas and Isaac.

He had a lifelong love of painting, capturing animals and landscapes with a gentle eye. Kais also loved to travel with Beverley, often spending months exploring the world together, enjoying local foods, and experiencing new cultures.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on December 9, 2025, at Bedford United Church, with a reception to follow. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Souls Harbour Rescue.

May his memory be a blessing.