Henderika "Henny" (Dykema) Buist

On April 24, 2022, Henny Buist went home to be with her Lord and Savior.  She was surrounded by her family and now is at peace and pain free. She is survived by her four children: Tim and Darlene Buist with Philip, Brianna (Bentley) Allen, Danielle (Joel) Stevens, Douglas; Ken and Cynthia Buist with Sharla (Yar) Eh, Leanne (Kyle Davis), Caitlin (Bradley) Makofka, Evan (Jessica Harrod); Benita and William Weenink with Jasmine (Randy) Makkinga, Trevor, Tyler; Eric Buist and Maren Esch, with Isaiah, Matao. Great grandchildren, Isabella and Malachi Eh and Henley Stevens. She is also survived by her sister Ge’ Hofstra, sister-in laws Jean Buist and Alice Scholing, as well as many relatives living in the Netherlands.

Henny was pre- deceased by her husband Tom in 2014 and her sister Seitske in the Nederland’s.

Henny was born in the province of Groningen in Holland on March 28, 1933.  Growing up during World War II, she developed the traits that would define her character for the rest of her life. Hard work, determination and her faith in God, along with her unique sense of humor served her well right to the end of her life. After finishing school at 15 and working for a few years, Henny decided at the age of 19 that she was going to move to Canada. A courageous move for a young woman with no family in Canada and thinking she might never see her family in Holland again. In 1953 she arrived in Calgary and started working as a nanny, housekeeper.  Henny caught the eyes of many young, Dutch immigrant men, but going on a blind date she met Tom Buist her future husband. They were married in 1956, both worked in Calgary for a few years and then moved to the farm in the Bluffton area in 1964. Along the way, they welcomed their four children Tymen (Tim), Kenneth (Ken), Benita and Eric.

The first years on the farm were challenging. No indoor plumbing, no electricity, a wood stove for heating and cooking, and a minimal number of tools and equipment. During the next thirty years they worked very hard to develop a successful mixed farm and a place to raise their family. In 1993 they moved to smaller farm next to Rimbey, where they enjoyed their retirement years.

Mom began dealing with some health issues approximately 20 years ago. Her determination and toughness helped her through these years. She lost her greatest supporter and rock, her husband Tom, who went home to his savior and Lord in 2014. After living on her own became difficult she moved to the Long Term Care in 2017. Our appreciation of the staff there is immense.  Mom was very independent which sometimes made her difficult to work with, but they patiently dealt with her, got use to her inappropriate jokes and grew to love her.

Henny was a dedicated wife and mother through all of life’s challenges and successes. She was known for her beautiful flower gardens and flower arranging skills which she did for the church for many years. She was very active in her church from teaching Sunday School to Coffee Break Ministries and catering many other functions as a member of the Willing Workers.

She was also active in her community being part of the Springdale Ladies Club for many years. They catered for weddings and funerals at Liberty Hall and at many other community functions. Mom was also well known for her delicious baking especially her raisin bread and butter cake. She loved to host, a piece of cake and coffee were needed for every occasion.

You learned to appreciate Mom’s unique sense of humor. She shared her thoughts freely and if Mom had a filter, she seldom bothered to use it. She loved to write poems for Christmas gifts, a few lines to roast the gift recipient and get a few laughs but they could also leave a sting. This has grown into a Buist family Christmas tradition. Her love of chocolate and a glass of whiskey was well known to those who took care of her the past five years. Even in her last week she asked for a real chocolate bar like a Caramilk. Henny loved to play a game of cards, a weekly tradition with different family members for as long as we can remember.  Another tradition that she has passed on to the next generation.                                                                              

Mom always told us she didn’t want a eulogy. So, there might not be a eulogy but there definitely will be coffee and cake.  We hope to see Mom again someday in heaven tending Gods garden.

ATTENTION: Due to unforeseen circumstances the Celebration of Life has been postponed to the following date

A Celebration of Henny's life will take place on June 06, 2022, at 2:00pm at the Rimbey Christian Reform Church.

If you cannot attend, you can view the funeral service at rimbeycrc.com.

Special thanks go to the staff at the Rimbey Long Term Care, they are our heroes for taking such good care of mom for the past five years.

In Lieu of flowers donation may be directed to the Rimbey Long Term Care: 5228 50 Ave, Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0

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