Menu Cornerstone Funeral Home
Printer Logo

WEISTRA, HINDRIK

MR. HINDRIK “HENRY” WEISTRA, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Trijntje “Trudy” Weistra, of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Michael’s Centre, Palliative Care on Thursday, April 13, 2011 at the age of 84 years. He is the loving father of Harry (Linda) of Edmonton, Ed (Vilma) of Barons, Corry (Jesse) Kurtz of Lethbridge, and Rob (Cindi) of Lethbridge. He is the grandfather of seven grandchildren; Lee (Julie Ann) Gladden of Barons, Jennifer Weistra (Rob Johnson) of Lethbridge, Sarah (Mike) Dowsley of Lethbridge, Josh (Chelsey) Kurtz of Coaldale, Megan Weistra of Edmonton, Kayla Weistra of Lethbridge and Benjamin Weistra of Lethbridge. He is also survived by one sister Elsie (Jim) Thorn of Hamilton, ON, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Harm Klaas & Cornelia, wife Trudy, grandson Matthew and brother Bill. Henry Weistra was born September 27, 1926 to Harm Klaas and Cornelia (Hollander) Weistra in ’t Zandt in the province of Groningen (Holland), Netherlands. He entered into the Dutch army in January of 1946. He trained in England first and was sent to Indonesia for almost 2 years. It was in the army that he developed his love of music and playing all types of instruments. It was in mid-May 1948 that the Weistra family immigrated to Canada and arrived in early June in Quebec, Henry followed in 1950. From there they travelled by train to Monarch where they worked on the sugar beet farms. It was here, near Coalhurst, that Henry met Trudy, the love of his life. Henry married Trudy Westendorp on June 5, 1953. They had four children Harry, Ed, Corry and Robert. Henry worked for many years as a mechanic and parts man for Marshall Auto Wreckers and others. Henry was very mechanically inclined and was always buying, fixing and selling anything and everything. He loved helping local farmers fix and maintain their equipment, this formed many lifelong friendships. Henry was involved in his community and helped the youth through his work as a scout leader; and the boxing club in Hardieville, in the mid 1960’s. Twice Henry and Trudy moved to Ontario to be closer to his family only to soon realize they missed the west and moved back to Alberta, the place they felt was home. One time buying a house over the phone from Ontario just to help Trudy stop crying! This last move back to Alberta wouldn’t have been possible if not for John and Femia Westendorp and family. He was a great dad who will be dearly missed by his family. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, on Sunday, April 17, 2011 from 4-5 p.m. A Graveside Service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, 11th Street & Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge on Monday, April 18, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. A Memorial Service will follow at TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, 1100-40 Avenue North, Lethbridge, on Monday, April 18, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Hank Van der Woerd, officiating. In memory of Henry, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Palliative Care, 1400-9 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4V5. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca