Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 12:00 a.m.
Heetebrij, Hendrik "Rick"
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 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.
Guestbook (33)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Hendrik.
I'm so sorry your loss.
I'm so sorry your loss. He is going to be your guys guardian angel watching over you.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy.
Dear Jan and family, My heart goes out to you Jan and Family with the loss of your beloved husband and father. May GOD provide you all with His comfort and strength in the days ahead. I was blessed to become friends with Rick during his last 3 years on earth and will always value and charish those great times we enjoyed together in each others company. Calvin de Wit
You were always up fora little mischief... you will be greatly missed!
Just beginning to get to know Rick, he had a kind heart and willing to help. Grateful for the times he snowplowed my driveway this past winter. Condolences to Jan & family.
My sincere Christian condolences to you Jan, and family. I am keeping you in my prayers. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.
Our deepest sympathies to you Jan and your family. We feel very fortunate to have spent some great times with you and Rick. His smile was bright and cheery. We pray God you feel God's presence during your time of grief.
Peace be with you and your family!!
With deepest sympathy, we send our love and prayers to the Heetibrij family in this difficult time.
Jan & family, our sincere condolences to you all. We cherish the fond memories we have of Rick, his fun and his kindness. You are all in our thoughts.
I extend my condolences to your family. You will miss Rick's humour but you will also have great memories.
Jan, my heart hurts for your loss, and I am so sorry for you and your family to lose such a wonderful man. Rick was always so happy, and I am so grateful to have had the privilege to meet him.
Thinking of you Jan, on this difficult day.
Love and prayers
My deepest sympathy to all of Ricks family and friends.
May the Lord give you the strength you need during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Dear Jan, children and grandchildren, Our heartfelt condolences. We will continue to pray for you.
Our condolences to you Jan and your family. We pray the Lord will uphold you and give you strength in this difficult time.
So very sorry for your loss Jan and family.. RIP Rick
Our hearts and thoughts go out to you Jan and to your children. The loss of your beloved Husband Rick, Dad and Grandpa will leave an empty place in your family. May The Lord comfort you through His Word and Spirit and help you to carry on in His service.
Dear Jan Peace and comfort from our Heavenly Father to you and your family. Sheila
Dear Jan, Please accept our heartfelt prayers as you grieve the loss of Rick on his journey home. It was wonderful to have met Rick at our Scottish Country Dance events. Thinking of you both and your family.
We are thinking of you and praying for you Jan & family. Hoping you all feel the LORD's nearness in this time of earthly sorrow.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Rick had such a friendly smile.We always enjoyed our little chats that we shared.We are praying for you and your loved ones.
Jan and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. The many visits at the various parades around the region were very enjoyable.
Jan and family ... we extend our sincere and deepest condolences to you all. We'll miss Rick's friendly "Hello" and his willingness to lend a helping hand to make sure everyone was taken care of. Rest in Peace Rick.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. His love for his family was evident in every conversation I (Rohan) had with him. Thankful he is enjoying his eternal rest with HIS Saviour.
Our sincere condolences Janice, Nicole and Justin, Nathalie and Phil, Kristy and the grandchildren. May Rick rest in peace
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Our sincere condolences Jan and family. We didn't know him well but We will always think of Rick and smile as he was such a jolly fellow. Rip Rick
Jan, We were very sadden to read of Rick's passing. It was a pleasure to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our sincere condolences with the passing away of your husband and father and our friend Rick. Our hearts go out to you and our prayers are with you.