Obituary
VOORTMAN, Harry (Arie) On Friday, April 8, 2022, just sixteen days after the passing of his precious and beloved wife “Annie”, Harry was also called home by his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He was a devoted and loving husband to Anne for nearly 63 years, a wonderful father to his children: Brenda Jorritsma (John), Ed Voortman (Christa), Lynn Voortman (Sonja†), Robert Voortman, and Adrian Voortman (Janice). He was a dear grandpa to twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Harry will be missed by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Harry and Mary VanderWal and Jake and Pauline VanderWal, Gertie VanderWal (Paul†), Aleida Voortman (John†), Barb VanderWal (Neil†), and Al VanderMeulen (Sandra†). He is predeceased by his three brothers, John (Jan), John (Johann) and Bill. Many nephews and nieces will also miss “Uncle Arie.” He will also be missed and remembered by so many in his other Voortman “family”, made up of employees and distributors who, over many years, contributed with their diverse talents to the success of Voortman Cookies Ltd.
Harry’s first priorities in life were God and family. He and his brother Bill founded Voortman Cookies in 1951 and this business was, of course, a great passion for him. The business became successful, though success was not a word Harry was comfortable with; to him, the business was simply “blessed by God.” Another passion for Harry was flying. In order for him to keep face-to-face contact with members of an ever-growing sales network, Harry got his pilot’s license and flew the company plane himself, eventually logging close to 7000 hours of flight time. Through all the years of raising a family and running a growing business, Harry, like his wife Anne, was content to remain in the small family home they had purchased in Burlington, Ontario, in 1960. His was a life of dedicated work, deep faith, compassionate devotion and always, always gratitude to his Lord and Maker.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at KITCHING, STEEPE & LUDWIG FUNERAL HOME, 146 Mill St. N., Waterdown. The Funeral Service will be held at BETHEL CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 616 Dundas St. E., Burlington on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 11 a.m., Rev. Paul Vandenbrink officiating. Please register your attendance for the visiting hours and the Funeral Service on the Sign Up link on the website obituary where a livestream link will be available for the Funeral Service. Pandemic safety protocols are in place for both events. Interment to follow at Burlington Memorial Gardens. If desired, memorial donations can be made to a charity that was close to Harry’s heart: www.LukeCommission.org. The Luke Commission is an organization that serves the most isolated and underserved people of Eswatini with free, comprehensive and compassionate healthcare.
Please sign the Tribute Wall, register your attendance and find the livestream link at kitchingsteeepandludwig.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Harry Arie Voortman November 29 1933
April 8 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Waterdown, Province: Ontario
death notice Harry Arie Voortman November 29 1933
April 8 2022
mortuary notice Harry Arie Voortman November 29 1933
April 8 2022
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Dear Voortman Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I am so very sorry for your loss. Harry was loved by so many. He will be deeply missed here at Voortman (its just not the same not seeing his face walking down the halls and in the plant!). He was an amazing leader to us all. My favorite saying when hiring was “everybody loves to work for Harry Voortman” and it was the truth. On my first day at the company, Harry came up to me (not knowing who I was) and stated “Hi, I think your new here, my name’s Harry Voortman.” What an amazing introduction to an absolutely amazing man! Harry we will miss you dearly, may you rest in peace with your beloved wife <3
Cara Ferraro
Voortman Employee
Our condolences to all in the Voortman family in your loss of both Harry and his dear wife Anne a few days earlier. We knew both Harry and Anne having attended the same church(es) for a number of years. I always appreciated Harry’s gentle humble nature and strong leadership qualities. I was not surprised to read that Harry and Anne also supported a mission enterprise in Swaziland where dedicated doctors ministered to the poor in that area of the world. That quiet but effective mission support reflects exactly who Harry was. (Ed & Karen Tigchelaar)
My condolences. I just heard today that Mr. Voortman died earlier this month, and his wife Annie 16 days earlier. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family. Wonderful loving couple. Always there to help somebody in need, and I was one of them. Very special people. They will be deeply missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. ❤️