Hendrik, or “Henk” as he was known to all, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island on September 25, 2009 after a brief illness. Born in Marssum, Netherlands on July 29 in 1920, Henk enjoyed being on the water his whole life, sailing in the summer and speed skating in the winter, starting in his native Holland and continuing in his adopted home of Canada. After working in Calgary at Imperial Oil for over 30 years, he retired to beautiful Salt Spring Island where he spent many enjoyable years.
He is survived by his two sons Peter (Kim) & Cliff (Melody), 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held on the 29th of September 2009. He is dearly missed by his family.
We wish to thank all who helped care for Henk in the final days and months of his life, and particularly his kind neighbours and friends Judy and Glen Willett, the outstanding nursing staff at Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island and his physician Dr. White. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation, 2410 Lee Ave., Victoria, BC V8R 6V5.