In loving memory of
Henricus Maria (Harry) Heemskerk
January 2, 1937 – July 3, 2025
Service Location
Our Lady Of The Valley
10178 Middleton Drive, Coldstream, B.C.
Prayers (with live stream)
Friday, July 11 at 7:00pm
Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life (with live stream)
Saturday, July 12 at 1:00pm
Reception to Follow
St. James Parish Centre
2700 28th Ave, Vernon, BC V1T 1V7
Watch a Video Recording
A video recording is available below.
- On mobile devices it is best viewed in landscape orientation
- Tap or click on video to unmute and expand to full screen or to airplay from a mobile device to a SmartTV
- Please consider signing our guest book below to acknowledge your presence in support of the family.
Henricus Maria (Harry) Heemskerk Obituary
HENRICUS MARIA (HARRY) HEEMSKERK – 1937, Amsterdam, Netherlands – 2025, Vernon, BC. Harry spent 88 years bringing joy to those around him and sharing the true, living light of Christ with all his family and friends. Beloved and most cherished husband to Theresa, dear father of Sandy (David), Sebastian/Buzz (Val), Tim (Julie), Jennifer (Cameron), and Bernard/Ben (Leanne). Opa to Nai’a, Stephanie, Rebecca, Kyle , Avalon, Sebastian, Kalista, Dellis, Abigail, Violet, and Ava May. Overgrootvader (Great Grandfather) to Rose, Cammy, and Vaela. Survived by sisters Ann and Agnes, and brothers Michael and Tony and their families. Survived, too, by many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Harry is now joyful in the Lord’s presence and reunited in Heaven with his mother and father, Antonia and Sebastianus, his sisters Dora, Nel, Reit, and Jo, and his brothers Piet, Cor, and Sebastian and his grandson Sebastian.. We will always remember his goofy smile, his boisterous sense of humor that could lift any sad heart, his loving support, and deep love of Jesus. Harry was a good, good man, and we thank God for him.
This Dutchman was always a brave, heartwarming, and cheeky spirit. His family survived Nazi occupiers in Amsterdam and not long after the Second World War moved to Canada, the land of mountains, lakes, and opportunity. Harry worked with his family on a sugar beet farm in Southern Alberta. Later, Harry was a ranch hand, drove trucks, built bridges and precast structures, was a BC Hydro diesel generator attendant, custodian, school bus driver, carpenter, NOCA/Dairyland employee, Chief of Fire and Ambulance Services, volunteered with the Red Cross and Boy Scouts, was a Eucharist Minister and established Acolytes in Kamloops Diocese.
He fell in love with Theresa, and they married in 1963. They lived in Regina, Calgary, Surrey, New Westminster, Blue River, and finally Vernon and the Okanagan Reserve. With Theresa, Harry spent time as a lay missionary in Blue River and later in life with Scarboro Foreign Missions in Guyana. Above all, he was an unconditionally loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, friend, and neighbour to strangers. He was not afraid of hard work, and he helped everyone with a spirit of infectious optimism.
Harry and his wife Theresa lived the Gospel of Christ daily in prayer to help them be guided in word and deed. We remember his words to a granddaughter who interviewed him about his life: “Fighting and misunderstanding between people doesn’t get any place. We have to be able to love people and try to understand them and accept them for what they are, even though they may be of a different class of people or different country.”
May Harry be filled with perfect Joy and Rise with the Saints in Glory, and may his memory always be a blessing.
Donations in Harry’s memory can be made to The Canadian Red Cross Vernon Branch.
@
I bubble you dad❤️
@
Harry was (and is) one of the ultra-best men we have ever known.
Our sympathies, beyond adequate words, and our love and prayers for Theresa and all the family.
Michael and Sheila O’Brien
@
God Bless you Terry and all the family as you say goodbye to our Dear friend Harry. We are watching virtually but wish we could be there with all of you. Harry was a true example of a Christian and a true Gentleman. Love and hugs to everyone from Geordie, Gail and Janelle
@
Uncle Harry had an infectious laugh. He took time to see my Mom before she passed. At Dad’s celebration of life, he thumped Dad’s urn, missing his brother. You will rest in peace now. Love you
@
Harry was a kind, joyful presence whom I will miss
@
Sending love and condolences for Uncle Harry. Much loved and respected.; a life well lived. I remember his smile and laughter always, and the support for our family in our younger days and the joy he gave us on visits. He was a role model for me of a great brother to my mom and as a hardworking, joyful man with devotion for his faith and family. Love to all. Tosca
@
Dad – if I grow up to be 1/2 the man you are; I would be proud.
Thank you for leading by example and placing God first.🙏🤗