Was born on August 1, 1923 in Kerkrade, the Netherlands to Petronella and Laurentius Ragetli. As their first son, he was named Henricus (Harry) after his paternal grandfather. During the War, he met and fell in love with Catharina (Tina) Verbeek. In 1949, while in University, they married. Harry continued his studies, completing a doctorate in biochemistry in 1957. That year he moved with his wife and two young daughters (Monica and Tineke) to Canada, settling in St. Catherines, Ontario and beginning a 30 year career with Agriculture Canada. In 1959, the family moved to Vancouver. Two sons (Henri and René) were born before Tina’s early death in 1971. Harry loved, guided and supported his children as they established their own lives and families. He became Opa to 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. After a protracted and stoically fought struggle with cancer, Harry passed away peacefully in the family home in the presence of his son and a good neighbour on January 12, 2010.
A funeral mass will be held on Monday January 18th at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3776 West 28th Avenue. A reception at the Parish Hall will follow the mass. Burial will take place at Mountain View Cemetery at approximately 2:00 pm.
May his memory be for a blessing.