Popular N.S. cheesemaker Willem van den Hoek dies

Willem van de Hoek, famous for his cheese company in Nova Scotia, has died.

Willem van den Hoek from the “That Dutchman’s Cheese Farm” in Economy, N.S., has died.

van den Hoek and his wife Maja started the business in 1980 and went on to win awards for their popular artisan cheeses.

His family shared the news of his death on the farm’s Facebook page Friday evening.

The post says van den Hoek provided “more than 4 decades of cheeses, lively discussions and endless projects with his family, friends and cheese lovers the world round.”

van den Hoek and his family were longtime vendors at the Halifax Farmers’ Market.

“Their amazing cheese and dairy products are a staple in the local food community. Willem was known for his quick wit and pure honesty, he was not one to hold back,” reads a post on the market’s social media page.

“He had an undeniable love for sharing a little bit of European and Dutch culture with Nova Scotia. Willem is and always will be dearly loved by Market customers and vendors.”

A service for van den Hoek will be held Friday at The Peg in Masstown with a reception and cheese to follow.

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