Hans Albarda passed away unexpectedly at home in Gaspereau, Nova Scotia on April 3.  Born in the Netherlands, Hans immigrated to Ontario as a child. He studied fine art at the Ontario College of Art and Design before becoming an art professor at Georgian College in Owen Sound. 

Hans moved to Nova Scotia with his wife and daughters in 1999, where he built his third off-grid house - one is in Kemble. He lived off-grid for 47 years. He was an advocate for renewable energy, responsible transportation, and the environment. Hans, together with Ziggy Kleinau and others were founders of the Bruce Peninsula Enviromental Group which is still very active in Lions Head.

Hans is survived by his daughters, Alice and Janna. He was predeceased by his wife, Dr. Catherine Stanley who is honoured with a memorial scholarship in mathematics at Acadia University where she taught.

Hans' first solo art show, "Painless Abstractions," was set to open at the Hardware Art Gallery in Kentville on April 4th. The show will go ahead as a celebration of his life and art, and will run until May 4th.

Memorial donations in Hans' memory may be made to the Dr. Catherine Stanley Memorial Scholarship at Acadia University. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS B4P 1B9 (902-679-2822).

Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.serenityfuneralhome.ca

source: Obituary in Halifax Chronicle Herald, friend Frank Barningham

photo source: Acadia University