Gratitude of a Thunder
Bay Dutchman
Born in the Netherlands,
1921, Derk Maat was an active player in the underground movement throughout
World War II in western Europe for which he received a special commendation
from U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower expressing “the gratitude and
appreciation of the American people for [his] gallant service in assisting
the escape of Allied soldiers from the enemy.” After immigrating to Canada,
1949, he settled at Fort William (Thunder Bay), Ontario, and began working
on a farm for 35 dollars a month, purchasing, 1951, a small nursery and
greenhouse, the basis for a landscaping business he established, 1952.
Grossing $3,500 in his first year of operations, by 1998, this same company
grossed 15 million dollars. Four of his six children now run the family
business, Wilco Landscape Contractors, with operations spreading westward
from Thunder Bay to Vancouver. Active in public life for over 50 years,
Derk Maat is a Rotarian, a Life Member of the John Howard Society, and
a major figure in the Dutch Canadian Association. A faithful Progressive
Conservative Party supporter for over 45 years, in this view, right, he
is seen with former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Joe Clark, P.C. In gratitude
to Canada and his adopted country’s hospitality to Queen Juliana and other
members of the Dutch Royal family who were given refuge in Canada during
World War II, Derk Maat, with great support from the local Dutch Association,
planned, designed, and constructed a windmill in Thunder Bay dedicated
to “Prinses Margriet,” who was born in Canada at the time the Netherlands
was occupied. After it was built it was presented to the City of Thunder
Bay, 1986.The windmill carries a plaque stating “May the relationship between
the Netherlands and Canada be a symbol of friendship and peace to all.
”The windmill is recognized today by the City as the most outstanding monument
at the International Friendship Gardens in that municipality. [Photo, courtesy
Derk Maat]
