August 28, 2025
In memoriam — Lex Kraft
Lex Kraft
In 1954, Kraft came to Canada by boat from the Netherlands on an agricultural visa. He arrived alone at age 20, seeking to build a life “where the weather was better.” After a brief stint in farming, he founded Kraft’s Landscaping in Belle River, Ont., which became his life’s work and passion. Throughout his career, he was a longstanding member of Landscape Ontario and served as president of its Windsor Chapter for many years.
Kraft grew up in Occupied Holland during the Second World War. This shaped him in many ways: food shortages, the sound of soldiers’ boots on cobblestone roads and the trauma of seeing Jewish people being taken away. Kraft read a lot on the subject and was an expert in all things related to the Second World War.
Kraft loved animals and nature. He was actively landscaping until last year; always outdoors, always puttering. In Kingsville, Ont., his garden was a beautiful oasis of blossoms and bird visitors. At 90, he was still pruning trees and teaching those skills to his grandchildren.
Kraft was old school. He had a strong work ethic and high standards. He was a MacGyver who created solutions out of whatever was on hand. He lived life on his own terms, was difficult and stubborn but quirky and silly too. He loved sweets, good food, a beer after work, travel and dancing. He had beautiful blue eyes that twinkled with mischief and his active life kept him healthy and whole to a good old age. He will be missed very much.
The family would like to thank the caregivers, nurses and staff at Trinity Village for the excellent care they provided, and a very special thank-you to his cherished partner, Helen, for her endless patience and devoted care during his later years with the onset of dementia.
A tree will be planted at Lakeside Park in Kingsville, Ont., to recognize Kraft’s legacy of beautiful gardens and his contribution to horticulture in Essex County over the past 50 years.
Donations in Kraft’s memory can be made to Forests Canada or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.