Tribute

Born in De Rijp, Netherlands and raised in Castricum, Harmen was a police officer with the Dutch Police.

He married the lovely Sophia Walet in February, 1947 and lived in Utrecht until they immigrated to Duncan, B.C. in 1953. Harmen leaves behind his sister Bep (in the Netherlands) and his wife Sophia (in Duncan), along with three daughters: Margaretha (Roger Schiffer, deceased) in Vancouver, Sonja (Art) Milbury in Duncan, and Shirley Anne (Colin) Weber in Denver, CO. He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren Wanda, Johanna , Janet, Mark, Cadi, Julia, and Jaime; great-grandchildren Merzedese, Logan, Luke, Nicholas, Kalena, Madeline, Liam, Nevaeh; and great-great-grandchild Kiera, expected by Spring 2014. Early on, Harmen worked at the Youbou mill in the Cowichan Valley and then at Home Bakery for many years before moving on to the Crofton Pulp And Paper mill. He was the Lead Hand in the 'wood room' where he was a very conscious and well liked employee. Harmen's career at Crofton ended in his retirement in 1987 . Harmen then went on to be a landscaper for Woodgrove Estates, as he was not ready to put up his feet yet… He gardened at home year-round and walked tirelessly. In his daily trips to the Superstore, Harmen always met shoppers with a smile and a greeting. Every winter, he would travel with Sophia to Mexico and visited family annually in the Netherlands and across Canada. Harmen enjoyed playing cards, listening to music, watching the stock market, and offering a helping hand to family and friends whenever he was needed. He was a proud and devoted family man, and always baked delicious treats to be enjoyed by their many guests.. He had a great sense of humor. Though it could be a little dry at times, we always appreciated his hardy laugh and the mischievous glint in his eye! Harmen continued to care for his garden until he moved into Biscay Manor where he was well looked after and given wonderful care. Later, at Sunridge, Harmen was fortunate to have an excellent nursing staff around him (especially Katrina). With his loved ones close by, Herman passed away, strong and proud until the end. Amazing Grace played in the background as he smiled and then was at peace.

A Mass for Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Edwards Church 2085 Maple Bay Duncan BC on Monday December 30, 2013 at 11:00 am. Followed by interment at Mountain View Cemetery.