He was born on the family farm Boswinkel in Holland on March 16, 1934. Dad’s journey from Holland to Canada in 1956 was an adventure in itself. He took the ship “The Grote Beer” to Montreal and eventually made his way across Canada by train. He started as a hired hand for Jules & Lucien Claeys farm in Vauxhall and eventually bought the farm and farmed there for over 40 years.

His motto, “It could be worse,” epitomized his optimistic outlook on life.

Dad wasn’t just an optimist; he was also a realist who believed in hard work and perseverance. He was tough as nails. Dad was a great neighbour and never said “No” to helping anyone. His kindness and willingness to lend a hand were hallmarks of his character.

Dad volunteered for many organizations. He was a member of the Vauxhall Agriculture Society for over 60 years. He loved attending the conventions with the local members. Dad enthusiastically belonged to the Knight’s of Columbus and the Fourth Degree. He was a board director for Equs and the Soft Wheat Association for many years. Dad was also proud to call himself a Liberal amongst the sea of blue. And with his optimistic viewpoint, always thought there would be a chance of a Liberal win in our area.

He was an extraordinary man who always encouraged us and believed that children could achieve anything they set their minds to. He was a farmer who loved his work passionately and continued farming well into his 80s. Even in his later years, Dad would put in 12-hour shifts during beet harvest, finding joy and purpose in every moment.

Dad was easygoing, and people rarely saw him angry. His calm demeanour and positive attitude were a source of strength for all of us.

Dad loved people and adventure. He traveled to places like Brazil, China, and Africa. Dad and Mom had their own adventures in Egypt, Cuba, Holland, Croatia, Portugal, Qatar, New Zealand, South Africa and Galapagos. He had a unique ability to connect with everyone he met, regardless of their status in life.

Harry will be missed by family members: Annie, Matilda and Frank, Corrie, Henk, and Diny, and many nieces and nephews that he loved visiting in Canada and Holland, as well as by his friend of 70 plus years, Gerry.

He will be especially missed by his wife of 64 years, Siny, along with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; Ingrid, Cynthia, Bev, Debbie & Ed, Anthony & Tara, Bruce & Debbie, Amy & Dustin, Jesse & Jenny, Mitchell & Carissa, Mack & Makayla, Carmen & Nick, Jessica & Garrison, Malia, Tanner, Grayson & Maddie, Kiano, Raevyne, Marcus, Mason, Brynlee, Miya, Casey, Taryn, Tatum, Rylie, Sloane, Cooper, Stella and Hailey.

We will miss you, Dad, Opa, more than words can express. Your legacy will live on in our hearts and in the many lives you touched. Rest in peace.

We have many people involved in Mom and Dad’s lives that we need to thank for being part of their lives. We especially want to thank our angel, Lisa, who was added to our family 7 years ago. She has been a blessing to Mom and Dad’s lives as well as our entire family. We lovingly call her the favourite child.

We also would like to thank our entire team of Home Care Givers while Mom and Dad lived in Vauxhall. Each of them brought something special to their lives. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Linden View. Also, thank you to Carla from the Palliative Team. We can’t thank the staff at the Taber Hospital enough that gave Dad and us so much comfort. We would also like to thank Bailey Balog NP, Home Care Nurses and Dr. Majiet for their caring support.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca), Diabetes Canada (diabetes.ca), Alzheimer Society (Alzheimer.ca) or a charity of your choice.

A Prayer Vigil will be held at ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 328 2 Avenue, Vauxhall, AB, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. Both the Prayer Vigil and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Harry’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Following the Funeral Service, Harry will be laid to rest in the Vauxhall Cemetery.