HESSELS – Hendrikus Johannes, passed away peacefully at Royal Columbian Hospital, January 25th 2013, at the age of 85 years.  He was predeceased by his wife, Anna, in 1977, brother Jan in 2007, brothers Toon and Wim in 2010, and sister Toos in 2012. He is survived by his seven children: Jim (MaryAnn), Cornel (Melanie), Betty (Jim van Dongen), Bill (Lorna), John (Chiquita), Peter, and Jacqueline (Brian McLean). Also missing their Grandpa and Great Grandpa are his 28 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind his 3 surviving sisters, Reik, Bets, and Adje in Holland and brother John in Quesnel.

Born June 26th, 1927, Henry was the 4th child of Adrianus and Elizabeth (nee van Geel) Hessels.  He worked on the family farm in Zevenbergschen Hoek, Holland.  He grew up during the Depression. As a teen, he witnessed the Nazis invade his homeland resulting in his father’s untimely death. He served his country from 1947-1950 as a radio telegraph operator in the Indonesian war.  Upon his return to Holland, he studied agriculture at Landbouw in 1950/51 and worked for the government in Hydrology and Soil Survey. He married Anna Lambregts on Feb 13th, 1957 and they emigrated to Canada to start a new life.  They started their family in a modest home in Burnaby, BC. When the 7th child arrived, it was time to move to a larger home in Richmond.  He worked at various jobs in his early years, including farm labour, logging and digging peat. He eventually began his time with Richmond Plywood, where he worked until his retirement at the age of 67.    Henry looked forward to his vacations, when the family would load up the station wagon and head out on various camping adventures, always making sure to visit friends and family along the way.   He eventually moved to his townhouse in Surrey, where he enjoyed his well-deserved retirement by travelling and dancing.  In 2011, he moved to Columbus Lodge in Delta, where he enjoyed meals and fellowship with the residents. In his declining years and especially his final hours, Henry’s children and grandchildren were there for him, reaffirming that he was cared for, prayed for and loved.

Prayers will be February 7, at 7:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Church, 8842 – 119 Street, Delta, BC. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on February 8, at 10:00am followed by a reception in the church hall. Interment following at Gardens of Gethsemani. In lieu of flowers, donations to Columbus Charities in Henry’s name would be appreciated. Suite 407, 5233 Joyce Street, Vancouver, BC V5R 4G9 or online at www.colchar.org.