It is with sadness that we share the news that Henry Tabbers passed away at Amica Beechwood Village on July 29, three days before his 89th birthday. He leaves behind his wife, Carol, after 42 years of marriage and their beloved cat, Ozzie. Also mourning his loss are his brother, John, his sisters, Riet and Wil, and many nieces and nephews in the Netherlands. Henry’s eldest sister, Tonnie, passed away in early June of this year, and his younger sister, Ellen, passed away on August 3. This has been a very sad year for the Tabbers family.
Henry and Carol retired to Salt Spring in 1995 after moving from Vancouver, where Henry was a photographer and graphic designer at the Museum of Vancouver. They enjoyed their island life to the full. They had a huge circle of friends and loved entertaining. Henry developed a beautiful garden with lots of food and roses, which were his passions. He had a lovely rose garden bed that he planted and tended at Beechwood Village, too.
They were generous contributors to many local and international organizations in the arts, nature and conservation, public broadcasting, international humanitarian assistance, and animal rescue. Henry was a regular volunteer at the SPCA and sang with the Salt Spring Singers. They loved to travel, and Henry pursued another of his passions by visiting cathedrals in the Netherlands and France to photograph their magnificent pipe organs.
There will be no service at Henry’s request. Donations to ArtSpring, Salt Spring SPCA, or an island charity of your choice would be appreciated.
So sorry to hear of Henry’s death, Carol. He was such a help for Salt Spring Singers, and was a fine member of the Salt Spring community. He will be missed. Ann.