On January 18th we sat by our father’s and husband’s side, as he passed over. Beloved husband of Wendy Laakes. Loving father of Lars (Cheryl) Laakes and their children Asher, Kaleb, and Kaija, Norman (the late Carrie Gauthier-Laakes) Laakes and their children Matthew Hampel and Charlotte Laakes, Natalie (Matthew Hussey) Laakes-Hussey and their children Ocean, Liv, and Kai. Dear brother of Harry Laakes, the late Jettie (late Marc Heemskerk) Laakes, the late Aja-Marie (Paul Peeters) Laakes, Karl (Yvonne Suiker) Laakes, and Joanna (Cees Notenboom) Laakes.
We will celebrate his legacy as we see a little part of him in all of us and in the land that he walked. He lived each day with purpose and he understood the power and beauty of the natural world that he was surrounded by. Many people knew Harry through the horse stables. At a young age in Rotterdam, Holland, he had an opportunity to take riding lessons and he was hooked! At the age of sixteen, with the love and support of his family, he left home to begin his journey in the equestrian world. He was telling us that when he looked back during this phase of his life, he was ever so grateful for all the opportunities that were given to him. With Harry’s passion about horses and, being as hardworking as he was, we were not surprised. This was the time that Harry met a Canadian girl, the love of his life, while mucking out the stalls. Newly engaged, they moved to Canada where they began their journey together. Over the years, Harry and Wendy established their vision of a riding stable where he mentored many students and borders and formed many, many lifelong friendships. There are others who knew Harry because he was their bus driver! For about twenty years he drove the bus for the elementary school. He loved to engage them with interesting conversation and brain teasers. Years after he retired, we would still have young adults coming up to tell us how much Harry positively impacted their lives.
Harry loved the land where he lived and meticulously planted many trees. Each tree was carefully selected and planted with great vision and then loved as each one grew through the years. As his trees grew, so did his family. The grandchildren loved their Opa. His quiet example imparted to them their love of nature and music. The love of classical music was always important to Harry, especially when he became physically unwell. It filled his whole being with beauty when it was difficult to walk in the beauty of his nature. We all have so much to be thankful for. Harry is such an amazing example to each of us on how to live a genuine life, full of purpose and passion. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Lambton Wildlife lambtonwildlife.com/contact-us/join-us-or-donate (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Harry Laakes May 7th 1946 January 18th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sarnia, Province: Ontario