February 17, 1922 – September 29, 2024
Peacefully, on September 29, 2024, at the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg, Harry (Opa) passed away at the impressive age of 102. Harry is predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Maria (Oma), his son Karel, and grandson Don. He leaves behind his son and daughter-in-law, Harry and Joanne, daughter-in-law, Lynn, his grandchildren Mia, Monica, Michael and Karolyn, great-grandchildren Drake and Oliver, close friend Marlene, and many friends and relatives in the Netherlands and here in Winnipeg.
Harry, (Opa), was born on February 17, 1922, in Venlo, Netherlands. He had one brother and five sisters and would often tell stories about being in a house with five girls – “Can you imagine, sharing one washroom with five girls? Ha!”. He went to boarding school when he was eight and spent his childhood years swimming in the river or community pool, and playing soccer with friends. He met our Oma in Venlo when they were both kids living in the same neighbourhood and over the next few years they became friends. During World War II, Opa worked just over the border in Germany and would sneak back home from time to time to see his family. He reconnected with Oma when the war was over and they were married in Venlo in 1947.
In 1951 they immigrated to Canada with their son, Karel, and Opa quickly found work at a bakery in The Pas, Manitoba, where they later welcomed their son, Harry. After moving to Winnipeg, Opa and Oma opened Harry’s Bakery on Sargent Avenue and were in business for 18 years. Opa went on to work in the bakery at Misericordia Hospital until he retired in 1986. After years of making memories at their cottage on Star Lake in the Whiteshell, hosting friends and family to delicious meals and baking at their home on Jessie Avenue, and countless card games, they moved to Vancouver Island where they spent many more wonderful years road-tripping across Canada and the USA and making meaningful memories and friendships. In 2002 they moved back to Winnipeg to be closer to family.
After Oma’s passing in 2009, Opa continued to go on road-trips and was still driving until the ripe old age of 99! Every time he would stop by he would always bring us a bag of homemade buns or bread and was sure to bake a cake for every occasion. Opa continued to travel back home to Venlo every two years to visit the many friends and family he stayed connected with through the years until he could no longer travel. He always looked forward to going to “the Pub” in Venlo to reconnect with everyone and reminisce about his time there. Even though he left for Canada in 1951, Venlo was always his home.
Opa moved into Middlechuch Home of Winnipeg, where he was a volunteer for many years, after celebrating his 100th birthday. He always looked forward to seeing his group of ladies who would visit and take him for lunch from time to time. We would like to express our thanks to everyone who cared for and knew Opa at Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg. He will be missed.
A private family service will be held at time of interment.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Harry’s memorial page using the comment field below.
What an amazing father\Opa. I met Harry and Maria when my mom was a resident at Middlechurch Home, and we would visit with them whenever we stopped by. He was so kind, always baking cookies or cake and sharing with mom and then on Sundays we would visit in the “pub” at Middlechurch. My sister and I were so honoured to attend his 100th birthday, baked his own cake, greeting everyone with a smile or joke and flirting with the ladies. What wonderful memories, if only there were more people like Harry, the world would be a much better place. My sincerest condolences to you all.
My heart hurts today. I had the privilege of getting to know both Harry and Mia while working at Garden City Mall. Coffee and conversation before I started the day. Sharing his baked goods was always a treat!
Harry, charismatic and charming. He had the gift of the gab. I enjoyed his countless stories about his beloved homeland, his family and friends. Fun and funny. Could tell a joke like no one’s business.
I witnessed the gentleness and love for Mia in how he treated her. He led with kindness. A real gentleman.
My heartfelt condolences to Harry’s family, friends and community. His light lives on in each of you.
Rest easy, Sir.
He certainly will be missed! I often think of his jokes and the charm with which he managed to win over everyone, even the flight attendants on the flights to the Netherlands and all the people in his beloved Venlo. Rest in Peace ome Hay! ❤️
Dear Hayke, Joan, and all family members,
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Despite this difficult time, we are truly grateful that he did not have to suffer. You know that we always held our favourite uncle close to our hearts and still do. He was truly a remarkable man with a great sense of humour. His boundless energy and optimism were an inspiration to us.
Now, his life has come to an end, but who can look back on such a long life? One that had its ups-and-downs. The greatest tragedy in his life was the loss of his son, Karel. Yet, with his special outlook on life, he managed to cope with it fairly well in his own way.
Tonight, we’ll raise a glass of whiskey – too bad we don’t have Crown Royal – in honour of Uncle Hay’s life.
Wishing you much strength,
Ton and Helmie