Henk Kuipers

It is with sadness that we, the family of Henk Kuipers, announce the passing of our Dad and Pake. He peacefully left his life on earth on June 7, 2025 at the age of 93.

Henk was born on July 16, 1931 on the family farm near Stroobos, Friesland, The Netherlands. He was the 10th of 13 children born to Pieter and Jantina Kuipers.

He is survived by six children and their spouses: Peter and Trudy, Tineke and Glen Weenink, Frank and Janita (Muff), Angi and Robert Salomons, Henk-John and Mary Ann, Mark and Lanette and a son-in-law Melvin Ingwersen and his wife Shirley. He also leaves to mourn 35 grandchildren and their partners, 60 great grandchildren, and two great, great grandsons.

He is predeceased by his wife Marja and his daughter Mary Ann. He is also predeceased by his parents, his sisters Antje, Gerkje, Anje, Jeltje, Joukje and brothers Oeds, Jelte, Freerk, Jan, Arjen and Arend. He is survived by his sister Elisabeth (Lies) and a sister-in-law Mies. He is predeceased by his wife Marja’s siblings and in laws.

Dad has fond memories of his childhood in Holland. He was a young boy during the war, and enjoyed attending school and working on the farm with his dad and siblings.

He met the love of his life, Marja Franken, and they were married on April 8, 1954. A week later, they boarded a plane and began their adventurous life together in Canada. They landed in Montreal and traveled by train to Picture Butte, Alberta.

The treeless prairies and big fields were not for them. They headed west on the bus, to the Fraser Valley in B.C. After a number of farming jobs, Dad found steady work at a foundry in New Westminster. It was here that they started their family and their first four children were born.

But Dad had a dream of owning his own farm. It was this dream that took them to Mt. Lehman where they would rent a small farm and buy their first dairy cows. Times were tough and money was in short supply, but Dad worked hard and within a few years they were able to purchase their own farm and expand his herd. It was while living in Mt. Lehman that their three youngest children were born. Through all these busy years, they always took time for camping and outings with their children and friends.

In 1977, the dream of farming with his children took them back to Alberta. They bought a farm near Lacombe and worked hard to make improvements to turn it into the modern dairy farm that it is today. Even after retirement, Dad always had a keen interest in how things were progressing on the farm.

Dad was a mischievous man and loved a good joke. He enjoyed drives, visiting, and playing cards. He had many collections on display: flags, plates, ornaments, and candies, which he freely shared with anyone and everyone.

In December of 2015, his beloved Marja passed away after a long battle with Alzheimers. He was devastated; it was the saddest chapter of his life. Three years later, he had to say goodbye to his oldest daughter Mary Ann. Dad’s faith sustained him through these sorrows.

Dad loved his Lord and he loved people. He took time to talk with family here and in Holland, friends, caregivers, neighbours, and generally anyone who would take the time to chat with him. His phone was well used after he became less mobile. He loved you all.

Dad’s faith, along with his commitment to church and Christian education, were driving forces in his life. He always lived in thankfulness to his Lord and dependence on his Saviour. He left a strong legacy for all of us.

A Public Viewing will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025from 1:00-2:00 pm at the Woody Nook Christian Reformed Church.

A Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Woody Nook Christian Reformed Church. 

Livestreaming of the service can be found with the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMzOPbj_03N5fkW83Zoxi7A

Donations in Memory of Henk may be directed to the Building Blocks Thrift Store: 5111 50 Ave, Lacombe, AB T4L 1K4

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Henk Kuipers, please visit our floral store.