van ZUTPHEN, Vincent Gerard, 59 of Port Hood, NS, passed away on March 28, 2026.

Born on June 8, 1966, in Inverness, NS, Vincent was the first-born child of Ted and Hermina van Zutphen. He grew up on the family farm in Southwest Mabou, where he loved to build and fix things from a young age. He moved to Halifax to study at Dalhousie University, graduating with his Civil Engineering Degree in 1989 from Technical University of Nova Scotia and shortly after graduating, he began working with his father and uncle John in the family construction business. He later took over as company president and played a pivotal role in shaping the company into what it is today.

Vincent was extremely proud of his four daughters and all that they accomplished, always letting them know with - "Good job kid!". They meant the world to him and he was their rock. He always welcomed their friends into his home and made it a fun place to be - whether it was building a home-made swing set and monkey bars, taking boat rides or camping in the backyard, he loved to see them happy. He spent countless hours traveling for sporting events and anything else that his kids needed - and his girls could always expect a stop to check out a job or a piece of equipment on the way. His love grew when he welcomed each of his grandchildren into this world. He loved to give them the best bear hugs and was equally proud watching them grow and learn.

Involved in countless construction projects throughout the Maritimes, Vincent continually found ways to work efficiently, often involving a custom design sketched on a napkin. He had a brilliant mind, breaking barriers in the construction world with his innovative approaches. He mentored countless people over the years and always took the opportunity to share his knowledge with others.

Vincent gave generously to his friends, family and the community. He loved the outdoors and took every opportunity to promote Cape Breton. His most recent passion was to build the Jajiktek Seawall Trail - a world class hiking experience in Cape Breton - set to commence construction in the spring.

As Vincent approached retirement, he began to explore new hobbies and travel the world. Fulfilling a lifelong dream to fly, and in true 'Vincent fashion' for lifelong learning and adventure, he got his own helicopter and earned his pilot license. His passion for this was apparent to everyone he spoke to, and we find peace in knowing that he left this world doing something he loved.

Vincent is survived by his children, Danielle (Ryan) Ehler, Maria (Evan) Jardine, Hanna van Zutphen and Ava van Zutphen, and their mother Patricia, as well as his beloved grandchildren, Laina, Hayden, Evelyn and Nora who loved him dearly as "Opie". He was expecting his fifth grandchild in May. He is also survived by his parents, Ted and Hermina, siblings, David (Willena) van Zutphen, Bernadette (Billy) MacDonell, Leonard (Tracy) van Zutphen, Elizabeth (Lachlan) van Zutphen, Martha (Kenzie) Campbell, Michael (Megan) van Zutphen, Jan (Brenda) van Zutphen and Matthew (Laura) van Zutphen and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his father-in-law, Nelson McEwan.

Vincent is predeceased by his mother-in-law, Frances McEwan and his cousins (and best friends) Patrick van Zutphen and Edward Beaton.

Vincent will be remembered for his forward-thinking mind, honest nature, willingness to help anyone in need, and always having an answer to anything. He will be missed grestly by all who had the privilege to know him.

Visitation will take place at 9990 Hwy 19, Southwest Mabou on Monday, April 6 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral mass will take place from St. Peter's Parish Church, Port Hood on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. For those unable to attend, the funeral service will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/st.peters.Parish.PortHood

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in your local community or to a family in need. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com