Obituary of Hank VAN HUISSELING

Hank van Huisseling
Hendricus Johannes Philomena van Huisseling
December 29th, 1951 – September 2nd, 2022

The world got a little dimmer recently as Hank unexpectedly, but gently, departed.  Hank was the third eldest of 9 children born to Willy (nee Brada) and Cor van Huisseling (both deceased).  Hank leaves behind his loving wife Jo-anne, sons Michael (Angela), Aaron, and Philip, as well as his grandchildren Lily (Alex) and Liam.  Hank was also important in the lives of his niece Cheri (Andrew) and her children Hope and Noah, and his in-laws Debbie (deceased) and  Tom Kirk, as well as Agata Trzcinska.  Hank will be missed by countless others, including members of Barbara and Martin Leskey’s Family, and the many families and friends that had the privilege of knowing him.

Hank was a joyful man, he loved family and friends, and found contentment in the simple things that life has to offer, often activities disguised as work.  He had a lot of happy places he could be found: at the shop doing vehicle repairs or welding windmills, in the garden planting and harvesting, cutting up wood skids and fallen trees from the bush, pulling apart beaver dams in the river, and cutting the grass in the fields.

In recent times, there were daily games of rummikub enjoyed with his wife Jo-anne and sons Aaron and Philip, while washing down bottomless cups of tea and coffee and speculaas cookies. Visits with his son Michael and daughter-in-law Angela were savoured opportunities for Opa Hank to joke around with his grandchildren Lily and Liam; often to sneak in some help with yard projects.

Before immigrating to Canada, Hank spent his first 18 years growing up in rural Holland. Until his last days, Hank maintained a fond closeness with his family overseas during weekly phone calls and many enjoyable visits. It wasn’t long after coming to Canada that met Jo-anne and started a family of his own, blessed with 3 sons. Hank worked as a skilled welder fabricator for most of his days and saw many of his colleagues become close and cared-for friends.

Hank embodied the quiet and constant glow of a good person that we are all drawn towards and hope for more of in this life. He helped anyone who he saw in need, without waiting to be asked, in any way he was able. Hank was genuine, steady, and reliable, always fun to be around, and was quick to find something silly to laugh about and knew how to draw others in. We wish Hank was here with us still, busily puttering around, because he is missed dearly. There is no service planned for Hank at this time.

Condolences and memories can be shared online at www.imfunerals.com

In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the van Huisseling Family