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Heetebrij, Hendrik "Rick"

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RICK HEETEBRIJ, the beloved husband of Jan, of Lethbridge, was taken home to the Lord on Friday, April 16th, 2021, at the age of 72 years.

Rick Heetebrij at the age of 72 was taken home to the Lord moments after his family said their goodbyes, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Friday April 16, 2021 from complications of COVID.

Rick is survived by his loving wife Jan of 38 years, and children: Derek Brunen (Emily Hill), and grandchildren Errol and Ivor of Vancouver BC. Nicole (Justin) Reimer and grandchildren Phoenix, Cohen, Kiya, Justice and Harlow of Lethbridge. Natalie (Phil) Regnier and grandchildren Tyson, Nevin, Adreyana, Brynn, Xavier and Oliver of Lethbridge. Kristy Heetebrij and grandchildren Angelle, Chase and Alana of Lethbridge. In the Netherlands: Brother Jan (Jessy) Heetebrij of Hoogeveen, sister in law Vrouwk Heetebrij of Vollenhove, brother Geert Heetebrij of Amsterdam, brother Wim (Jannie) Heetebrij of Genemuiden, brother Albert (Ina) Heetebrij of Hardenberg, sister Toos (Ben) Boschman of Assen, sister Tinie (Jan) Heetebrij of St. Jansklooster, brother Joop Heetebrij of Meppel and brother Bert (Rita) Heetebrij of Vollenhove. In-laws: Ross and Sandy Forsyth, Carrie Kolisnyk of Winnipeg; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Jochem and Antonia Heetebrij of Vollenhove, his brother and sister in law Henk and Anne Heetebrij of Chilliwack, brother Egbert Heetebrij of Vollenhove and in-laws George and Nina Forsyth of Winnipeg.

Rick was born in Vollenhoven, Holland on January 4, 1949. He immigrated to Canada when he was 21 without knowing a word of English. He married Jan (who he affectionately called "woman") in November 12, 1982 and their three girls were born in Chiliwack, BC. In 1990 the wide open sky of Alberta beckoned him, and they decided to move to Taber, Alberta. Rick was proud to become a Canadian Citizen in 2007.

Rick loved to drive and made it his career. He hauled pigs, cattle, oil, gas and potatoes over the years. He was honoured that he qualified and had the opportunity to drive on the ice roads for two seasons.

Jan was the delighted recipient of many bouquets because of their mutual love of flowers. He supported Jan in all her drumming adventures and enjoyed watching the parades or performances. He particularly loved the bag pipes and drums playing Amazing Grace.

Rick loved to have a good time, his eyes lit up when he visited with friends and especially his children and grandchildren. Dad loved being an Opa. He would take the grandchildren on random ice cream trips or would pop in just to say hi to them. If the grandchildren were to stop in and say hi they would find him reading a book or snoozing on one of his "2" lazy boy chairs. If he wasn't in his chair, he would be puttering in his garage.

Dad was a bit of a trouble maker, his specialty was starting water fights with his daughters, sometimes including neighbours and other campers joining in. He thought nothing of spraying us with the garden hose through the kitchen window. If we were around any water no one was safe!

Rick loved the Lord and is now in the comfort of His love.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the ICU ward of the Chinook Regional Hospital who gave him such wonderful care.

If you wish to make a donation on his behalf; he had a heart for the vulnerable

Due to Covid-19 restrictions a private Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 1:00 P.M with Reverend John Van Eyk officiating. The service will be lived streamed and may be accessed via Rick's obituary on the Cornerstone website.

A Public Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. only. A private Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend John Van Eyk officiating. The service will be live streamed and may be accessed via Rick's obituary on the Cornerstone website.