BURSTIt is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Dad, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother and Uncle , who passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 24th 2026 at the Bulkley Valley Hospital at the age of 101.
He was predeceased by his wife Betty, his parents Age & Siyke Kempenaar,his siblings, Wietze & Hanskje(Kempenaar) Elzinga,Pieter & Baukje (Kempenaar) vd.Sluis, Oane & Freerkje ( Kempenaar) Leegstra, Johannes & Anne (Vissia) Kempenaar, Riemer & Chris (Bethlehem) Kempenaar, Jan & Janke Kempenaar, Aart & Wietske (Kempenaar) Bakker, Geert & Aaf (Kempenaar) vd.Heide, Siebren & Gerda Kempenaar, Teye & Seke (Kempenaar) vd.veen, brother in law Andries Laurens
He is survived by his loving families, his children Renne( Trevor) Alex ( Terry ) Sylvia (Klaus) Rita ( Trevor) eight grandchildren Brad (Erin) Todd (Lisa) Tyler, Lorelei (Dustin) Shauna ( Brian ) Corbin( Megan) Adam (Melissa) Liam, Great grandchildren
Liam & Aidan, Boston & Blaize, Sloane & Blake, Rein, Hayes & Brooks
Sister Anneke (Kempenaar) Lourens, in Holland and many more relatives in Holland and Canada.
Henry was born in Westergeest, Friesland. He immigrated to Canada March 12, 1952, with his wife Betty, and made their home in Smithers BC.
He began his work in the Telkwa Coalmine, then to the local sawmill, dairy and beef farming, and more, plus construction then finished with successfully starting his own landscaping business called Henry’s Landscaping, where his yard had the most beautiful flowers, which were used for various family weddings, and special occasions. We his children and friends continue to grow his beloved roses
His love for fishing brought together many cherished friends, and family.
We celebrated Henry at the Bethel Reformed Church, on March 31st 2026 at 2 pm
The links are still available on the Church site
Thank you to our Dad’s doctor Fred Strauss, for all his years of care and special friendship.
We as a family thank all the medical staff, Dr. Haskins, Dr. Smith and the 3rd.floor staff. We appreciated your sincere compassion for our Dad and family during our Dad’s time in the hospital.
Our family is very thankful to all our families, friends and the community for your outstanding care and support in our time of grief.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Pioneer Place, where he resided, in care of Sylvia Kempenaar, email dustydragonfly7@gmail.com
Or PO Box 313, Smithers BC V0J 2N0