Launch - Autobiography 'The Life of Hendrik (Henk) Boer'

With over 200 in attendance at the Millwarra Centre , I had the pleasure to launch the autobiography 'The Life of Hendrik (Henk) Boer'. 
It has taken Henk Boer four years to complete this autobiography. It covers a wide spectrum of subjects and a range of interrelated values and opinions put together in true “Henk Boer style” that includes memories of the Great Depression, the horrors of WWII, of trying to re-establish after WWII, of living in Denmark and finally relocating to a foreign country – Australia in 1950.
The skills learnt in his father's bakery back in the home land served Henk well and with no knowledge of the language landed a job at Bowring’s Bakery in Lilydale, the day after arriving in Australia. ….. He certainly didn’t waste any time.
A year later, May 1951 Henk secures a job as a baker at the Upper Yarra Dam construction project.
1956 was a year of significant change when Henk was offered a fish & chip shop in Warburton and an opportunity to become self-employed, assisted by Gwen it was the first takeaway in Warburton. But there was something bigger happening here, this humble Warburton fish & Chip shop becomes the foundation for Boer Bros Food Wholesalers. With hard work and business skills acquired over the years the three Boer Bros developed a valuable business that at its peak employed a total of 85 people and operated around the clock in a wide network of food distribution throughout Eastern Victoria and through an Interstate Transport Division. The book tells more of the 1990 sale of the business.
Henk goes on to work for PFD Food Services and at the age of 71 with the intention to retire, but other business opportunities present themselves and were pursued until the age of 84.
Henk has many skills, a family man, a businessman, a churchman, a pilot and mentor. But Henk can take good sound advice when necessary!
On the passing in 1982 of the young Dr Warren Hastings in a horrific accident piloting Henk’s aircraft and Henk’s plan to purchase a replacement aircraft, I quote Gwen’s sound advice. “For twelve years I have tolerated your hobby. For twelve years I have had to worry about your welfare and survival. During that time I have had to travel to airports and landing strips to pick you up when bad weather prevented you from flying back home. Do you want to be the next one to lose your life? I will give you something to think about. If you come home with that aircraft, you’ll find your wife of 28 years has left home. You have the responsibilities towards your children, your parents, your siblings, your employees and also to me.”, Shocked by this Henk’s flying days were over, much to the delight of Johanna Boer heaving a sigh of relief and offering a silent prayer, thanking God that her eldest son has finally come to his senses!
Henk, you’ve always been a pillar of our community and leading by example, a gentleman and an inspiration for future generations of not only the Boer clan but to us all.