On January 29, 2022, Aloijsius Joseph Hendriks passed away at home in Edmonton Alberta at the age of 87. Aloijsius was born in Bergen, Holland and was the fourth of seven children of Peter and Wilhelmina Hendriks.
Al (as he was known by his family and friends) is survived by his one and only love, Agnes; four cherished children: Perry (Jo-Anne), John (Sharon), Angie, Allen (Lori); 9 grandchildren: Michelle (Tommy), Danielle (Mark), Nicole (Chris), Pierce, Anthony (Rena), Carissa (Alex), Mariah (Owen), Ashley (Coulton), Blake; and five great grandchildren: Zoey, Nico, Rhiley, Brody and Turner.
Al was predeceased by his siblings: Gertruda, Laura, John, Pierre and Willy. He is survived by his sister, Elly.
Growing up in Bergen and then Nijmegen Holland, Al was 11 years old when Holland was liberated after the second world war. At the age of 18 he was already a foreman o
n the construction of electrical train stations near his home. Al met Agnes at an exhibition in ‘T Zand, Agnes’ hometown, where their love blossomed. Six months later they were married on April 21, 1958 and with just over $40 boarded a ship named the Groote Bear and immigrated to Canada for a better life. They landed in Halifax on April 29, 1958 and took a train to Edmonton where they ultimately settled and made a home on May 5, 1958.
Al & Agnes were tireless in finding work, learning the language and adapting to their new life together in Canada. Together Al & Agnes worked hard to get ahead and become established in Edmonton. Al’s first job was with a company that made doors and windows.
In 1975 Al took the leap and created his own company AJH Construction Management Ltd. which he continued to be a part of to his last day. In 1980 Perry & John joined the company soon to be followed by Angie & Allen.
Al’s career in construction included the construction of Kingsway Garden Mall, Londonderry Mall, Derek Golf & Country Club and St. Joseph’s Basilica, William Lutsky YMCA, St. Thomas More Catholic Church as well as numerous other religious buildings in the Edmonton area. Al was very proud to have left his signature on the landscape of Edmonton.
To Al & Agnes family is everything. Together they raised four children and were blessed and overjoyed with grandchildren and great grandchildren who affectionately called him Gramps. Family gatherings were the highlight of his life. He loved to be part of their lives and watch them grow and succeed in life. His door was always open to anyone that wanted to talk, to discuss and to provide encourage them.
Al had a strong moral compass that kept him in good stead in family and business life. He was a man of deep faith. His handshake was strong, honest and true. Al had a fortitude within him that was unshakeable. He was a man of his word. Determination was part of his being. He did not give up, ever. There will never be another Aloijsius Joseph Hendriks and the void his death has left is indescribable. His legacy and spirit will live on in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A private Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 11:00 a.m in Edmonton. Interment to follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery. The funeral will be livestreamed for those who wish to view the mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital or to a charity of one’s choice.
Hendriks Al young
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Aloijsius “Al Joseph Hendriks 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta