Obituary of HARMEN (HARRY) PAUL WESTRA

HARMEN (HARRY) PAUL WESTRA

Harmen (Harry) Paul Westra passed away peacefully at Riverview Care Facility on December 27^th, 2017.

He is survived by his wife Anne, children Tom (Lynda), Diane Westra-Hanaback, Harmen (Cindy), Andrew (Laura Saward), Joe (Leatta), Cathryn Harrison (Reid), Christina (Mike Rey), fourteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and goddaughter Andrea Rohatyn. In addition, he is survived by his siblings Will (Gwen), Anne Ryzebol (Peter), Anno (Susan), and Alida Stolpmann. He was predeceased by his parents Hoite and Yke (Ida), sister Kay Jonkman, and son-in-law Murry Hanaback.

He was born April 23, 1933 in Langweer, Netherlands.  He shared many memories from his early years helping his dad in the bakery and completing military training in Holland before immigrating to Canada and settling in Winnipeg in 1955.  His love of gardening saw him find work as a landscaper on many properties around Winnipeg and later he made deliveries for Max Mulder’s Deli.  He then found his main career, working in the produce department at Canada Safeway for over 35 years.

In Winnipeg he met the love of his life, Anne Miklovich, at the Eaton’s New Year’s Eve party and in 1958 they married.  Harmen was very dedicated to his wife and the two were inseparable until the end. He accompanied her on her Avon deliveries as well as to sporting events and concerts for his children and later grandchildren.

He was a dedicated son & son-in-law, taking his parents on a weekly drive and dinner to surrounding communities in Manitoba and also driving his mother-in-law to day hospital every week on his day off.  He was a loving and dedicated father raising seven children, and somehow managed to get many treats for his family. Yearly vacations to Vancouver with stops along the way to visit relatives and see the sights were a highlight. In his later years he still loved his drives as well as trips to Lake of the Woods where he revived his love of fishing.

He was very supportive of his children’s and grandchildren’s involvement in sports, music, and dance and loved watching them at every opportunity.  He was proud of his own days as a soccer goalie and coach and was very proud of his Dutch heritage.  Every Christmas he gifted treasures of Dutch chocolate letters and Gouda cheese to each of his children and made oliebollen for New Year’s Eve.

The family gatherings every Sunday were always a focal point and he faithfully made dinner for the crowd.  He was a kind and caring person to all he met and was quick to offer help whenever it was needed.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Riverview Health Centre as well as the numerous staff from Homecare and Palliative Care, particularly Pasquale. We could not have done it without all of you and your invaluable help was greatly appreciated.

A celebration of Harry’s life will take place at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street on Thursday, January 04 at 2:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Harry’s name to CancerCare Manitoba or Riverview Health Centre. Private interment to follow at a later date.