Tribute

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hendrikus van Tunen, beloved husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa of our family on August 27, 2016 at age 89. Henk was born and raised in the Netherlands, immigrating to Surrey, BC, Canada with his wife and 8 of his children aged 2-18 on August 30th, 1976.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Annie (1964), father Henk (1984) and mother Bregje (1999), sisters Katrina (1925), Rie (1957), and Catrien (2007), brothers, Shen (1983), Wim (1999), Piet (2004), Dirk (2006), Gerrit (2010), and Guus (2012)

Henk will be forever remembered and loved by his second wife of 51 years, Maria, children Gitta (Ton), Ria (Vincent), Jan (Dorothy), Henk, Ina (Wil), Anna, Petra (Gord), Ingrid, Dennis (Bernadette), Cindy (Ron), Edward (Lesley), grandchildren Susan (Dan), Janneke, Tom (Theresa) and Robbert, Thijs (Marleen), Joost and Marloes, Monique, Marjory, Vincent, Brigitta, Stephanie, Dominic, Josephine and Colleen, Willem, Anna, Sofie and Lotte, David (Alayna), Michael, Judah and Stephan (Lindsay), Kristen (Luc), Thomas and Julie, Courtney (Tyler), Holly, Nicole, Danika and TJ, Enrico and Maria, Jaden, Evan and Ryan, Brandon and Wesley, great grandchildren, Daniel, Braeden, Liam and Amy, Isaiah and Terra, Ezio, and Benjamin.

Henk will also be remembered by brother John, sisters Em, Afra, Ina, Gre, and Nance as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and friends.

Henk enjoyed and created many master pieces in both masonry and oil paintings. He loved children and besides having his own he also had several foster children.

His biggest passion in life was raising and racing homing pigeons so much so he brought his pigeons with him when immigrating to Canada, and later pigeon eggs from Belgium in his carry-on returning from holidays in Holland.

Henk also was an avid gardener and grew many vegetables and flowers for the enjoyment of his family. He also taught all his children to skate as he loved to figure skate himself right up to the age of 82.

The family wishes to thank Father George and the ladies of the CWL from St. James Catholic Church for their visits every week, and the wonderful care aides and nurses at Taber Home.

In Lieu of flowers please donate to Taber Home, Cherry Lane division.