Herman Zwanepol, 73, Murray Siding, passed away Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, at the Colchester Regional Hospital. Born on Jan. 16, 1936, in Rhenen, the Netherlands, he was a son of the late Herman and Willemina (Haas) Zwanepol, the seventh of nine children. He was the youngest ever secretary of his local of the Dutch Christian Steel Workers Union in Rhenen. He entered the Royal Dutch Armed Forces where he served as a medic. In 1959, he immigrated to Canada with his new bride. For several years, he worked in the agricultural and construction industries before becoming a well-known paint and decorating contractor in the Truro area. Upon moving to Murray Siding, he and Trudy began collecting and showing birds which developed into Acres of the Golden Pheasant Bird Park, a well-known local attraction. Herman was a fearless defender of the underprivileged. He was active in local politics and an early activist for the rights of unwed mothers. He was founding president of the Tenant's United Front (TUF), which became the Colchester Tenants and Homeowners Association. He was instrumental in the development of the Residential Tenancies Act and served on the Northern Residential Tenancies Board for many years. He actively pursued affordable housing for seniors resulting in the development of the Longworth Lodge and Parkview Terrace where he served on the Board. He was a founding member of the Colchester Ground Search and Rescue Association where he served for over 20 years. He is survived by his loving wife, Trudy (Hovestad) Zwanepol; his children, Herman (Marilyn) Zwanepol, Peterborough, Ont.; Trudy (Bob) Hogan, Darwin, Australia; Harold (Denise) Zwanepol, Bridgewater; Troy (Kyla) Zwanepol, Bible Hill; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall ~ Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young St., Truro, where Herman's family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, and where the funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, Pastor Chesley MacKenzie officiating. Reception will follow. Spring interment in Bible Hill Cemetery. Family flowers only. If so desired, donations in Herman's memory to Canadian Cancer Society are welcomed. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting the "Guest Book" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com