Adrianus Renkers
November 4, 2025
November 4, 2025
November 4, 2025
Adrianus Hendrikus Maria Renkers, cherished husband of Barbara Renkers, passed away on November 4, 2025 – born in Amersfoort, Netherlands, November 24, 1943 – immigrating to Canada at the age of 22. He is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his children, stepchildren and grandchildren. Adrian will also be deeply missed by his many friends.
Adrian’s passion for aviation led to a 44-year membership in the Abbotsford Flying Club (AFC). He was dedicated to maintaining the history and standards of the club by acting as Membership Chair for many years. He was the unofficial photographer for AFC events, documenting everything from a club trip to Whitehorse, Reno air races, or costumes at the annual Hallowe’en party. Adrian was honored as a Life Member of the AFC for his outstanding service to the club.
When not flying, Adrian expressed his creativity through stained glass artistry – his colorful pieces reflecting the same light and warmth he brought to those who knew him. His spring and fall classes were what fueled him and instilling a love for the art form in his students was his pleasure and delight. His students often commented on his gentle approach and his considerable patience.
Adrian had an incredible zest for life that he shared with his dear friends on long nature walks where he took a keen interest in identifying fish, birds, and wildlife. He often used his photos of nature as inspiration for his art.
His generous heart extended into many forms of service: volunteering for years at the Abbotsford Airshow, visiting the hospital and seniors’ sites alongside cherished canine companions and therapy dogs - Bonnie and then Sophie, and as a volunteer driver for cancer patients - always offering kindness and comfort to those in need.
Adrian will be remembered for his love of flying, his craftsmanship, his deep love of nature, and his unwavering commitment to helping others. His friends can attest to his wonderful laugh, keen artistic eye, and deep baritone voice. Above all, he was a loving husband, a proud father and grandfather, and a dear friend whose steady presence and joyful spirit will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the BC Cancer Foundation or a Flying bursary/ Scholarship at the Abbotsford Flying Club.
Celebration of Life to be held at The Abbotsford Flying Club March 14, 2:00pm - 5:00pm.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
Our heartfelt condolences to Barbara and the children, Adrian was a good friend and we always enjoyed his company.We'll be missing a good friend!
~ Jos and helena de boer
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the passing of Mr. Renkers. I came to know Adrian through the Abbotsford Flying Club and knew him for a number of years. We have shared may conversations together at AFC. Again, my deepest sympathies on the passing of Adrian.
Brian Appaswamy. AFC Aircraft Maintenance Committee.
~ Brian Appaswamy
Grandpa. One of a kind. I loved our conversations at every dinner. Sports, flying, whatever it was. I loved it. We just had an understanding when surrounded by the others. A little look, smirk or wink. Pretty funny actually. We just got it! Will miss you.
~ Richard Chew
My thoughts are with the family. I was blessed to have Adrian as a landlord for 8 years. His glass shop was outside my entrance door. He was always up for a chat and a joke or two. He created so many stained glass items and allowed me to watch. I’ve thought of Adrian on all of his birthdays. He was a very kind, considerate person and made it difficult for other landlords to measure up to his standards. Some actually did.
~ Sheryl McKamey
Dear Barbara and family,
It is with a heavy heart I send you our condolences in the passing of your wonderful husband. A lifetime of love, sharing and partnership is what I know you had with Adrian and makes this message so difficult to write. I grieve with you and your family for your immense loss. I hope one day to connect with you again and sending you hugs my dear friend.
Sincerely
Tina and Tess
~ Wiebe
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Adrian. He was such a kind man and will be missed by many. Vicki and Paul
~ Vicki and Paul
My sincere condolences to the family. I had the privilege of knowing Adrian through St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs. Adrian was such a kind person and I always enjoyed his chats.
~ Gail Radtke
To Barb and Adrian’s family
Adrian, as we all know was a very special man. He was a calm, constant presence at the Abbotsford Flying Club. Always with a positive word and always helping where help was needed. He was a good friend to Steve and a steadying support to me when Steve was dying. He and Bonnie were with us when Steve left to fly with the Angels. After Steve’s death, he would invite me for coffee to check in and make sure I was okay. When I left Abbotsford, he would check in and see how I was and keep me up to date on his life and the AFC. I will cherish my last visit in April with Adrian, Sophie and Barb. Thank you Adrian. Fly safe!
Janet
~ Janet Baillies Kulczycky
Adrian was all the above and more An unwavering friend
~ WILSON Keith
Adrian endeared himself to me when I first joined the Abbotsford Flying Club, knowing very few people there, he took me under his wing and familiarized me with the club planes, and flew with me until I was happy. This started a firm friendship, and he enjoyed to continue flying with me when I built my floatplane. His enthusiasm for aviation was infectious; we drove together several times to the Reno Air Races, meeting up with a die-hard group of Canadian and American long time friends and he was in his element!
I am missing him dearly. My deepest condolences go to Barbara and Adrian's extended family, many of whom I met during Adrian's final months . He was sui generis- one of a kind.
~ Chris Palmer