Hendrik VanderVoort
1928-2018
Vandervoort, Hendrik (Hank), January 11, 1928. It is with heavy hearts
that the family of Hank announces his passing on December 9, 2018.
With family by his side, Hank went home to be with his Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ, where he will rest in eternal peace. Beloved
husband of Audrey (Wassenaar) for almost 66 years (December 13, 1952).
Loving father of 14: Jenny (Rick), Nick (Janet), Simon (Carole), Henry
(Giselle), Cathy (Joe), John (Donna), Ron (Kati), Audrey (Mark),
Michael (Lana), Peter (Julie), Robert (Kelly), Wendy, Paul (Kathy),
and Cynthia. Cherished grandpa to 30 grandchildren, and 9
great-grandchildren whom he loved and adored. Hank leaves behind a
legacy of faith for his family. A devout Catholic, Hank testified to
the greatness of God and His hand of provision in his life. He often
recounted how the Lord has blessed him, healed him and provided for
him along his journey in this life. Born in Holland, Hank grew up
working in the tulip fields, and from then on a love of gardening and
nature flowed from his heart. Surviving occupied Holland and near
starvation during WW II, Hank had the highest admiration for the
Canadian military, and those who lost their lives so that his might be
saved. He wanted to become a Canadian citizen and raise his family in
the country which he held in the highest esteem. Hank made the journey
to Canada in March of 1952. Coming to a new country, not knowing the
language, and learning about a new culture were all exciting for Hank.
He worked endless hours to save enough money to bring overseas the
love of his life, Audrey. Hank and Audrey met in Holland as children
and grew up on the same street. They became friends and their
relationship grew – it was a match made in heaven! In December of
1952, Audrey joined Hank on their new adventure and shortly after they
were married. They settled in Galt, where they raised 14 children.
Throughout Hank’s life he shared his love of nature, gardening,
fishing, and camping with his family. Many summers were spent at his
favourite place by the lake, Presqu’ile Provincial Park, where bon
fires roared and memories were made. Hank worked tirelessly throughout
the years to provide for his family, and spent the last 30 years of
his career at Shaver’s Poultry, before retiring at 71.
Hank’s latter years were spent enjoying his garden, where he had
been known to have thousands of tulips in the springtime. Passersby
would stop and admire his work of art and even take photographs. He
enjoyed the love and company of his family, often greeting the
grandkids with a “Hey cowboy!” His sense of humour was
infectious and Hank was happy to share a good joke with anyone willing
to listen. Hank spent his last few months at The Village of Riverside
Glen in Guelph, where he received outstanding care and compassion from
all of the staff. Special thanks to everyone who played a role in
maintaining dad’s dignity during his final days and hours. Hank
never anticipated living to be almost 91, and we celebrate
Hank’s life, and trust that he is at peace and at rest in his
eternal home. Enjoy all the fishing dad! We love you!
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ambrose Church, 210 South Street,
Cambridge, Ontario on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 11 a.m. with a
reception to follow in the church hall. Interment will take place at
Mount View Cemetery on Saturday December 15, 2018 at 2:30p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Corbett Funeral Home, Cambridge.
In lieu of flowers, to honour Hank’s wishes donations be made to the
St. Vincent de Paul Society or The Red Cross.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest
in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams–”
Psalm 23: 1-2.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Hendrik VanderVoort 19282018..
Death notice for the town of: Cambridge, Province: Ontario