Cornelis Stok turned 101 today. This afternoon, Mayor Erik van Heijningen congratulated him on behalf of the municipal council with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates.
His nickname is Cor or Kees. Cor was born in Rotterdam. About 40 years ago he moved to Oud-Beijerland with his wife. Their daughter also lives there. The couple has always lived in Witsenstraat. These senior homes are currently being renovated. The gentleman now lives in the Open Waard. His wife passed away in 2022.
Known a lot of poverty
Cor has known a lot of poverty in his life. He was one of 13 children. He is probably the only one still alive. During his youth he went to an eatery for the poor. There he was given a hot meal that he found disgusting. This has given him an aversion to cabbage.
When he was 17 years old, his corrupt employer handed him over to the Germans for employment in Germany. He saw and experienced many miserable things there. He was seriously injured and suffered trauma. Now that he has dementia, he suffers from this a lot.
Was a carpenter
He was a carpenter and was very proud of this. He worked in kitchens and furniture making. In recent years he worked at the Oranjeboom brewery in Rotterdam, in the maintenance and renovation department.
The couple had 1 daughter, 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Would you like to be aware of the latest news from the Hoeksche Waard every evening? Then sign up here for our free newsletter.
