Hendrik (Hank) van Nieuwkerk, beloved husband of Maartje van Nieuwkerk of Brooks, passed away peacefully into God’s hands with his family at his side, on Thursday, April 17th, 2003 at the age of 80 years.
Born in s’Gravenzande, Holland on February 17th, 1923 and married Maartje de Raaf, wife of 53 years, on October 13th, 1949 before immigrating to Canada in 1952. Hank worked on various farms in the Bassano-Rosemary area and also in Dundas, Ontario. He moved to Tilley in 1961 where he worked for Murray Ranches for 27 years, until he retired to Brooks in 1988.
Hank loved to garden in his wooden shoes, look after his flowers, spend time with his family and curl. He retained his sense of humour right until the end, and will be remembered for his wonderful smile, his friendly hello and his quiet ways.
Hank will be sadly missed by his loving family, wife, Maartje; 2 sons, Dick (Colleen) of Grande Prairie and Art (Darlene) of Grande Prairie; 2 daughters, Linda (Orval) Shantz of Brooks and Cathy (Dave) Thome of Medicine Hat; 10 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 3 brothers, Arie van Nieuwkerk of Brooks, Leen (Annie) van Nieuwkerk of Bashaw and William (Maartje) van Nieuwkerk of Australia; 3 sisters, Marie (Frans) Boers of Dundas, Joop (Martin) Huis of Holland and Tina (Frans) dan Harder of Holland and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 21st from Christian Reformed Church, Brooks. Reverend Christopher Fluit officiating. Honorary Pallbearers were grandchildren, Sherry Cockerill, Mindy Cockerill, Heidi Cockerill and Nathan Thome. Active Pallbearers were grandsons, Jason van Nieuwkerk, Ryan van Nieuwkerk, Jeremy van Nieuwkerk, Brian Shantz, Joshua van Nieuwkerk and Mark Shantz.
In memory of Hank, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks T1R 1B3 or Gideon Bible, Box 85, Gem T0J 1M0. Arrangements in care of Smith Funeral Home. Telephone 362-4636 or 1-866-362-4652.
