After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Henricus Theodorus {Henry} Vandenheuvel passed away in the early hours of Friday, July 12, 2024, at Matthews House Hopice in Alliston Ontario. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Henry was the son of Martin and Antonia Vandenheuvel and was born in Erp in the Netherlands. He came to Canada in April of 1950 at the age of 10 years.
Henry is survived by the love of his life, Kathryn, after a marriage of 63 years and children Barbara, Ted {Kathy} and Donald {Julie}. He was predeceased by his much-loved son-in-law Franco {Barbara}
Missing their Opa are his grandchildren Mishayla {Mackenzie}, Blair {Alexander}, Kaisie {Matthew}, Shelby {Alexander}, William {Mylene}, Sadie and Sidney. He also leaves his great-grandchildren Ellora, Taylor and Marshall. He was their hero!
Henry is mourned by his beloved sisters Wilhelmina, Henrika, Antonia {Bert} and is predeceased his parents Martin and Antonia, by brothers Pieter {Annetta}, Cornelius, Martin, sister Arnolda and brothers-in-law Johan and Eddy. He is forever loved by sisters-in-law Nellie and Henrietta.
Henry was a valued member of the Power family and is survived by his brothers-in-law Roger, Jim {Ann}, and sister-in-law Joan {John} Henry was predeceased by his sisters-in-law Lois and Patricia and brother-in-law Victor.
He was a favourite uncle to numerous nieces and nephews with their spouses and children. Each has a favourite memory.
Our Henry was a man of great integrity, and an extremely hard worker, having worked for Meritor Suspension Systems for 31 years. Upon retirement, he attended Sheridan College to learn to drive semi-wheeler trucks which fulfilled his life-long dream. He became the “King of the Road”. He drove for several years in Southern Ontario. After giving up the semis, he devoted himself totally to the Canadian Cancer Society and drove clients for appointments, treatments, etc. Sometimes as often as five days a week for 20 years.
Henry’s favourite pastime was playing cards regularly first in Tottenham and then in Alliston. He was a valued member of Club54 and played Euchre and Bid Euchre at the community centre most Monday nights and Thursday afternoons. He also played Euchre many Friday nights at the Legion. He developed many valued friendships and fostered those friendships. His pal Brian Robertson watched over him as his health deteriorated.
We would like to thank the community health services for all the kind care Henry received during his illness. Dr. Kogan and Francesca kept themselves available for his needs. Our visiting nurses kept tabs on his health and saw that he had what he needed at each visit. Thank you to each of you and especially his permanent nurse, Mary Jo. We had Donna as our PSW, and her value is beyond measure. Besides caring for Henry, she provided much needed kindness and support for Kathryn.
We thank the staff at Matthews House Hospice in Alliston for the loving, devoted and expert care for Henry in his final days. We are blessed in Alliston to have a place where we can end our days in such dignity and kindness.
Thank you to the Rod Abrams Funeral Home for your attention to detail and the dignified way of carrying out Henry’s wishes.
When I took up watercolour painting in 1997, as my biggest supporter, Henry framed my first piece. He insisted that I put it on the back of his obituary folder. I never gave it a name, but I will now call it, “Henry’s Own”.
Rest in peace, our Henry. You have earned it!
The family will receive friends at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477 on Saturday July 27, 2024 from 10am until time of Memorial Service in the chapel at 11:30am. Reception will follow. Interment will be held in St. James Cemetery, Colgan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Matthews Hospice House in Alliston. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Memorial Visitation
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road Tottenham, Ontario L0G 1W0
Saturday July 27, 2024
10:00am - 11:30am
Memorial Service
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road Tottenham, Ontario L0G 1W0
Saturday July 27, 202411:30am
Bev Ryan says
What a pleasure it was to get to know Henry. We had so many laughs playing cards and he taught me a lot. He always seemed to have an ace in his hand to beat me when he sat next to me and, his grin when he played it was so cheeky. His welcoming smile and great sense of humour made it fun to be where he was. I admired him! He was a giver and not a taker. He was an especially generous giver of his time for his family, his friends and for all who needed him. What a great guy! I’ll miss you Henry but RIP old friend, You sure deserve to.
Kathy Mitchell says
Kathryn, Barb & family; we were saddened to hear of Henry’s passing. I first met Henry at the store, and Don met Henry at the 54 Club when playing cards.
We both so enjoyed his upbeat personality & quick wit. He had such a servant’s heart, always thinking of others and ready to meet others needs above his own.
He will be missed greatly. We are praying for you at this difficult time.
Jopie Van Grunsven. says
So sorry to hear the passing of Henry.
He was a dear friend of Bill van Grunsven,
but also I remember the time we spend to-gether in our younger days.
I will be thinking of you and Wishing you
strength in this difficult time.
From Jopie Van Grunsven.
Lisa Koslowski says
Dear Kathryn and family,
Please accept my sincere condolence’s.
Henry was a lovely man and I know you will all miss him terribly.
My thoughts have been with you during this very sad and difficult time.
Love Lisa
Richard Canning says
What a man of great courage and strength to go through what he went through. I have played cards with Henry at the 54 Club . Always had a little humour with his reply’s. We will miss him . Sorry for your loss.
Elaine Pittman says
I extend my heartfelt sympathy to all of Henry’s family. I had known Henry for many years and considered him a good friend. We first met playing cards in Tottenham and then at the 54 club in Alliston. I met his wife Kathy at one of the 54 Club’s Christmas Luncheons. From then on we always enjoyed meeting each other. Rest easy Henry , my friend, you were one of the best!
Jim Dwan, Ireland & Dwan & Rogan Family says
So sorry to hear of Henry’s passing, he was a great friend and cousin-in-law to me. I visited Kathryn and Henry so many times and their help and hospitality was fantastic. I will cherish the memories I had with Henry as he drove me so many places, to meet cousins, in all kinds of conditions. I remember him and Kathryn collecting me in Toronto airport in the snow and driving for hours in blizzard conditions to Kingston and Wolfe Island to see Tom and Ellen. No problem to Henry – just drive on! Henry I will never forget you for your kindness and great fun. Many thanks for all the years I have known you. To Kathryn, so sorry for loosing Henry. Many thanks to Joan for driving me up in March this year to see him. My last time. You know when he was very sick, I never forgot and thought so many times of him and you. To Ted (Kathy), Barbara (Frank) and Don (Julie) so sorry to hear of the passing of your father.
We (Dwan family, Rogan family) in Ireland who met Henry in the 90’s, express our sympathies to you Kathryn and all the Vandenheuvel and Power families on this sad occasion.
In Irish ( Gaeilge), we say
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. (may his soul be at God’s right hand)
sos faoi shíocháin (may he rest in peace)
Jim
Kathryn Vandenheuvel says
Thank you so much to our Irish family members for your kind condolences. Jim, Henry loved having you in our home, wherever it was!! Laughter always was on the menu. Thank you for coming to see us this spring. With the kindness of my sister, Joan, it was possible for you and Henry to have a precious “goodbye”. We are all very sad here but just knowing your love, Valerie’s love as well as the Rogans’ is with us, helps a great deal. Thank you Dublin Folk!!
John and Carolynn Westlake says
We are very sorry to hear of Henry’s passing.
He was a wonderful person; always helping everyone.
We are very grateful for all his help to us when we were caring for Cora Grey. He was always ready to drive us with Cora on many trips to Hospitals in Toronto for several years.
His skillful, careful driving, and cheerful demenor made these trips tolerable for Cora.
We will always be gratefull for all his assistance and kindness.
John and Carolynn Westlake
Kathryn Vandenheuvel says
John and Carolynn, it was Henry’s pleasure to drive you and Cora to whatever appointment she had on any given day. He cared alot about Cora and her failing health. Your friendship with Henry was important to him and each time we passed your way on his way to or from Newmarket, he never failed to point out to me where the Westlakes lived. Thank you for your kind thoughts and kind words about my Henry.
Evelyn Wadden says
Kathy and family so sorry to hear the passing of Henry I met Henry at 54club playing bid euchre the nicest man you could ever meet he will sure be missed my thoughts and prayers are with you all.RIP Henry
The Vandenheuvel Family says
Thank you Evelyn for your message of condolence at this time. Henry was a good person and did so love his cards and card people. I had the benefit of meeting his friends at the Christmas dinner each year and we shared at your table where the laughs happened. Henry was usually the only man at that table but he wasn’t phased at all! Once again, thank you, Evelyn. Our family appreciates your thoughts.
Lorrie says
We will miss your smiling face and you happy out look on live My prayers are with your family
Wanda Horan says
Sincere condolences to the Vandenheuvel family. I met Henry last August at Southlake hospital. Henry & my Dad shared a room. Such a sweet kind Man.
Laura Klemenchuk says
Deepest condolences to all of Vandenheuvel family. Wishing you peace and strength at this very difficult time.
Laura and Michael Orr says
Our deepest sorrow for the loss of Henry, a truly gentle, caring man, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him
For dear Kathryn and his family our love and prayers ❤️
Aunt Anne and Uncle Robin (Ferguson) says
Blair ,
You obviously had a special and loving relationship with your opa and have years of wonderful memories of him . He knew you had found Alexander and was able to witness your special day with the love of his life.
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.
Cathy Falagario says
Our deepest condolences to Barb Kathryn and their families
We have fond memories spent with Henry and the Vandenheuvel family May you all take comfort in the great Legacy he has left behind.
With love Cathy and Vito Puopolo
John and Betty Rhodes says
Our deepest sympathy to Kathy and family. He will be miss he
was great friend and card player. He always had big smile for you.
Love John and Betty Rhodes
Mel and Debbie Jansen says
Our hearts and thoughts are with you as you celebrate your wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Remember the good times, we know there were many.
Mel and Debbie Jansen
Robert & Anne doak says
Our love for Henry never wavered. He will be missed.
Gloria Rizzuto says
To Kathy and family Condolences to you and all your family. Remembering you as a neighbour and you and Henry living and working in Milton. Saddened to hear the news of Henry’s passing. You are in my prayers.
Gloria (Corradetti) Rizzuto
Glori
Kevin Harkin says
I’m so sorry for your loss! My deepest condolences to the Vandenheuvel family. I remember Mr. Vandenheuvel as a genuinely nice man and always with a smile and a warm hello. Very fond memories of Barbara and Ted at Holy Rosary in Milton. Beautiful days. Praying for peace at this very difficult time!
Kevin Harkin
Virginia Galipeau says
Thinking of you Kathy and family at this difficult time. In Deepest Sympathy.❤️❤️❤️
Ginny Galipeau
Ryan says
Dear Uncie, you were a strong, kind man and an incredible uncle. You’ll be missed by so many.
Angela Gillis says
My sincere condolences to the family. He was a friend and a coworker to my father (Gerry Rygersberg) who passed 9 years ago.
Dana ( Brophy) Jackson says
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone, thank god for beautiful memories.
Shelley Watson says
Deepest Condolences Ted, Kathy & families on the loss of your beloved Dad. May he rest in peace and fly with the angels
Joan says
Henry was a very special and integral part of our Power family. We will miss him. Rest now, your work here is done.
Love, Joan