HENRY BEKKERING

1941 - 2014

I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7

Henry Bekkering, beloved husband of Hessina Bekkering, went to his eternal home on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, surrounded by his family on Vancouver Island at the age of 73 years.
Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, December 14, 2014 between 3:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M.
A private burial service was held at the Taber Memorial Garden prior to the funeral service.
The Funeral Service was held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 2:00 P.M.
Henry is survived by his loving wife Hessina and their four children David (Kim) Bekkering of Taber, Michelle (Bill) Rooker of Edmonton, Mark (Michelle) Bekkering of Washington D.C. and James (Miriam) Bekkering of Taber; eleven grandchildren Andrew, Natasha, Sam, Adriana, Ashton, Andrew, Josh, Tyler, Chris, Maya and Danielle. He is also survived by his twelve siblings Jennie (Fred) Schuld, Grace Devries, Gerda Greidanus, Garth (Wilma), John (Helen), Hank (Wilma), Simon (Joanne), Elzo, Alice (John) Steenhof, Angeline (Andy) Glasbergen, Harry (Denise), Irene (Rod) Aspden; in-laws Nella (Peter) Yzerman, Rick (Yvonne) Grootendorst and Margaret (Art) Verkaik). He was also a beloved uncle to many, many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his grandson Mark Willcock; parents Hendrik and Alice Bekkering; brothers-in-law Norman Greidanus and Ted DeVries; nephews Rick and Christopher Bekkering.
Henry Bekkering was born in Borger, the Netherlands on July 5, 1941. He was the oldest of thirteen children born to Hendrik and Alice Bekkering. One of Henry’s earliest memories was of the Canadian troops liberating his town in 1945. Henry’s love of travel began at the age of sixteen when he joined the merchant marines to see the world. In 1959, at age eighteen, he immigrated to Canada along with his parents and twelve siblings. The family settled in Iron Springs before moving to Taber.
Job opportunities took him to Vancouver in 1964, and there he met and married the love of his life Hessina Grootendorst in 1967. Henry and Hessina lived in Vancouver until 1974, when they moved back to Taber and Henry began managing Taber Feeds. The next decades were spent in Taber, where Henry and Hessina enjoyed raising their family. These years are filled with many good memories of large extended family gatherings.
In 2000, a vacation home in Fairmont was purchased, and this home was the site of many family gatherings and the source of many good memories.
Henry was a leader in the Canadian Feed Industry, and his contributions were recognized in 2003 with a lifetime achievement award from the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada.
In 2006, Henry and Hessina moved part-time to Vancouver Island, where the climate was better for his health. He fulfilled a life-long dream of owning his own boat, and enjoyed exploring the islands and fishing with friends and family.
Henry travelled extensively throughout his life, and enjoyed visiting different parts of the world with friends and family. He was also privileged to take several trips with Christian mission organizations around the world and has instilled this sense of service to his children and grandchildren.
Family was a huge part of Henry’s life, he took every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren, siblings and nieces and nephews.
His Christian faith was the foundation of Henry’s life, and was evident in everything he did.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes in Henry’s name may be made directly to the Rehoboth Christian Ministries, 3920 - 49 Avenue, Stony Plain, Alberta T7Z 2J7.