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HENDRICUS JOHANNES VIS (HENK)
Born: May 10, 1929
Date of Passing: Dec 23, 2021
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HENDRICUS JOHANNES VIS
May 10, 1929 - December 23, 2021
Growing up during the Depression and Second World War, Henk, the oldest, and his siblings benefited from their entrepreneurial father who provided well for them and stressed a good education. Henk learned his flour milling trade at the Wageningen college in the Netherlands but joining the family business was put on hold when Henk joined the Dutch army for his mandatory service in 1947. It was while Henk was stationed in Indonesia, that he learned of his father's plans to immigrate to Canada.
It was in Canada that Henk was able to apply his trade skills and in 1951 join Feed-Rite Mills in Winnipeg where he spent his entire working career and ultimately became a partner in the company. In addition to milling skills, Henk's passions were building and trading. Henk was responsible for building ten livestock feed mills and helping to build Feed-Rite into one of the largest feed companies in Canada. Henk was also the commodity trader for the company and one of Henk's gifts was driving a hard bargain yet retaining the respect of everyone he dealt with. Henk had an outstanding reputation throughout the feed industry and the respect of customers, employees, and suppliers.
It was in Canada that Henk met his partner for life, Elisabeth, also from the Netherlands. She came for a brief visit with her sister in Canada but after a short return home, she decided to come back to Canada to be with Henk. Together they raised their six children and provided to them all the opportunities available. Like his father, Henk's priority was education. Henk's work often took him away from home and he worked long hours, however, Henk and Elisabeth provided unwavering support for their children.
After the sale of Feed-Rite and his retirement in 1994, Henk's full attention turned to his children, grandchildren, and his cottage at the Lake of the Woods (LOTW). Henk purchased the cottage in 1976 as a place for his family to get away and enjoy time together. His cottage became his sanctuary; his place to rest, to think, to plan and to be surrounded by his family. He passed that love of LOTW to his children and grandchildren who all cherish the gift that Henk started. Henk built a foundation for his family in Canada that will benefit them for generations.
Our family would like to express our sincere thanks for the compassionate care provided by the staff at Misericordia Place as well as Jaja, his caregiver and the rest of the Home Instead team.
Donations can be made to the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation.
Due to Health restrictions, a private family mass and burial will be held on January 4, 2022, 10:00 a.m. Live streaming of the funeral may be seen through the link at www.stvitalparish.ca.
Arrangements by Wojcik's Funeral Chapels at www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2021
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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Deepest sympathies to the Vis family . - Posted by: Coach Lee McDonald (friend) on: Feb 16, 2022
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Dear: George Jim Liz Jackie Rose and Rita Mae. Please accept my sympathies on Uncle Henk’s passing. I have many fond memories: like my when I had my first boat ride when you lived on Darcy Dr: or visits at the cottage with my cousins: Uncle Henk enjoyed his family time ( and not just the immediate family but also made time before the cottage) to always come to Grandpa and Grandma’s after church on Sunday for lively conversations : Rest In Peace with Tante Elizabeth - Posted by: William Vis (Nephew ) on: Jan 02, 2022
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I worked for and with Hank for nearly 30 years. He was probably the most influential person In my life. He taught us the value of hard work by example. I spent many weeks and months working with Hank building Feed Mills. I also learned many lessons in purchasing over the years which I still use today. Condolences to George , Jim and the rest of the family. - Posted by: Gil Carriere (Feed-Rite employee) on: Dec 30, 2021
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Geo. You may not remember this but I was selected to start Feed -Rite in Sask. I lived in a hotel in Saskatoon for 6 months while our residence was being built in that city. I selected the Humboldt site & recomended it to the committee in Wpg. After I could see I had your dads as well as Ken- Norval & Jim’s approval, My idea was opposed by mr. Anderson who asked me why all the other competitor mills were in Saskatoon. I simply said in all due respect sir “They don’t know any better”. The rest is history. From there on I really got to know your dad. A great man whose shoes will NOT be filled. My wife Velma & I got to know your mom as well as we attended the same church for quite a number of years even after I left Feed-rite. Prior to moving to Saskatoon I was responsible for ALL the colonies in MB. for about 3yrs. I would be pleased to discuss the old days if you so desire. I trust these comments are in order. Thanks for the opportunity. Harv Harland. - Posted by: Harvey Harland (Friend and co-worker @ Feed-Rite for 15 yrs (1960-1975)) on: Dec 30, 2021
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Wishing the family our condolences and prayers. Henk will be remembered in our hearts for years to come. He was very kind and generous and his smile was infectious. He was always there with a good joke. God bless..... - Posted by: Eric Van Schie (Long time friend) on: Dec 30, 2021
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Mr. Vis - a good person and a great family man! It was a genuine pleasure in getting to know him and his children (and their families), all of whom are charming and a true positive reflection of their father and mother. He is that person as written. Let us keep Henk with us in our thoughts and prayers and may he rest in peace with those that have gone before him. - Posted by: Rick Riffel (Friend) on: Dec 30, 2021
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Hank was incredible person, boss, friend. His kindness was noticable everywhere, at work and outside the work. I was hired by Hank and I am so thankful for this. At first I didn't speak English too much, but he didn't care. He saw something in me, he invested in me and now 30 plus years later, I am still involved with VIS Family. He gave me an opportunity to learn, to work with him, building feed mills, and in the same time he carved my future. I can not stress enough how thankful I am to know him and to work by his side. You always will be in my heart. Rest in Peace Hank and Thank You for Everything. - Posted by: Andrew (Former Employee, Friend) on: Dec 29, 2021
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Dear Vis Family, extending our deepest and heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your family patriarch. As a dear friend to the HSC Foundation, Mr. Vis was well respected for his keen interest in advancing patient care. So sorry for your loss. Wishing you all peace and comfort in the days ahead. Lynda Ruban staff & friends at the HSC foundation - Posted by: Lynda Ruban (staff at Health Sciences Centre Foundation) on: Dec 29, 2021
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