Blue Sapphire Cabinetry
Fine furniture & cabinets
"Contemporary embraces Traditional"
Kitchens, built-in and heirloom pieces designed,
crafted and installed by Nova Scotia's Ken Havinga.
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As a young boy, Ken Havinga got a kick out of building bird houses, a trophy case for hockey. He often helped his father with practical projects as well as building a 14-foot sailboat. Ken loved his woodshop classes, his high school teacher, Mr. Johnson, was influential. "He took me under his wing - he recognized my passion. He was a great mentor." says Ken. In 1980, he began his four-year apprenticeship with Victor Baigent and his wife Gillian of Erin, Ontario. "Vic was highly skilled in all aspects of furniture building, finishing and restoration," says Ken. They ran a successful and busy shop and were very kind and welcoming people. "Vic was particularly patient and generous with his knowledge of fine woodworking," adds Ken "These four years became the foundation for my evolution as a woodworker." |
Tom Havinga photo |
Tom Ward photo
The restorative side of the business was a wonderful opportunity for the apprentice. Mr. Baigent's clients included the Eaton family of Ontario. They called on him to repair a 250 year old gift presented to them by the royal family. It was very ornate, a beautiful piece, incredibly well-built, but placing it over a hot air vent did it no service. It was falling apart. "Taking apart a piece of history, seeing how it was made, then putting it back together." Being exposed to the finest furniture making, then rebuilding pieces and creating replicas was invaluable. "I couldn't learn that in trade school, college or university."
In 1984, Ken became a second generation train engineer - a vocation that kept things rolling for 20 years, first with CNR in Toronto, then eight years in British Columbia working with BC Rail. Throughout these years, he continued honing his skills as a practicing woodworking enthusiast.
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In 2003, Ken and his wife Laurie and sons Tom and Jack moved back to Ontario to build their dream home. But Ontario wasn't the right place and Nova Scotia was calling. In 2006, after relocating to Mahone Bay, the family undertook the building of their next house with Ken acting as general contractor/gopher/helper on both builds and gaining meaningful experience and insight from a design/integration/functionality perspective. "This is what I have worked toward my entire life. To be honing and practicing my craft within Nova Scotia's storied history of skilled craftspeople and artisans. It's a perfect fit."
Contact Ken Havinga today
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