SIMON HOUTKOOPER

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SIMON HOUTKOOPER Peacefully, in the early morning hours on Sunday, January 6, 2008, with his family by his bedside, Simon Houtkooper passed away at the Riverview Health Centre, at the age of 79 years. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his daughter Lisa, son Robert, daughter-in-law Patricia, grandson Matthew, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends in Canada. He will also be greatly missed by his sister Maartje (Jan) Muijs, sister-in-law Bets Houtkooper, nieces, nephews and friends in Holland. Simon was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary, his parents Cornelius and Elizabeth and his two brothers Kees and Jan. Our dad was born on April 22, 1928 in Warmenhuizen, The Netherlands and immigrated to Canada in 1948. He spent his young adult years traveling and working across Canada. He often spoke about the many adventures he had and the interesting people he met during those first few years in a new country. He eventually made his home in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he met and married Mary and raised a family. He worked for many years at Griffin Canada Inc. and retired in 1991. Dad was a talented artist, voracious reader, nature lover, expert conversationalist, history buff, amateur photographer, and crossword addict. He had a great love of music and thoroughly enjoyed playing the harmonica, accordion, piano, and organ, not only for himself but also for others. In younger years, dad was an active curler and golfer and also spent many years tending to his vegetable garden. He loved the outdoors and the family cottage was his favorite retreat. We have many fond memories of times spent at Hillside Beach. Mom and dad also enjoyed traveling, including numerous trips to Holland to visit family and friends. Dad faced life's challenges unflinchingly and without complaint. He suffered the greatest loss of his life when our mother died in 1995. He faced his long battle with cancer with courage, hope and optimism. Our dad was a private man with a gentle spirit and a wonderful sense of humour who treated everyone he met with kindness and respect. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. James Johnston and the many nurses at CancerCare Manitoba, including Erin, Gisele, Audrey, Kate, Shirley, and Agnes who provided exceptional care to our dad for many years. Special thanks to the nurses, especially Kate and Kris and health care aides with the WRHA Palliative Care program who made his last few months at home easier to bear and lastly thanks to the dedicated staff of The Palliative Care Unit Riverview Health Centre who helped our dad to die with dignity. Lisa, Rob and Patricia wish to express their sincere gratitude to the Jansen Ruigrok and Schenkeveld families especially in-laws John, Toni, Mieke, Kees, Ploon, Cornelius, Joy and Ann for their tremendous love and support they have always given us and our dad. He loved you all very much. If friends and family so desire in lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to WRHA Palliative Care Program, in care of Health Sciences Center Foundation, MS7-820 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1R9. A celebration of life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. (south of the Royal Canadian Mint), with Fr. Ken Barclay officiating. Viewing will be held one-half hour prior to the service. A gathering of family and friends will follow in the reception center. Private family interment will be at Transcona Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 455 LAGIMODIERE BLVD. 982-7550 We love and miss you, Dad, rest in peace

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2008