August 11, 1927 – March 14, 2017
Bontje, Henry Gerard – Passed away on March 14, 2017 at Wentworth Lodge, Dundas. Dear husband of Virginia. Loving father of Patricia Hanley MacLeod and her husband, David, and Thomas and his wife, Clara. Best Bobber to Christopher and Jeffrey MacLeod and Justin and Matthew Bontje. Hank was born in Leiden, The Netherlands, on August 11, 1927 and grew up in occupied Holland. After the war, he served with the Dutch Army in Indonesia for three years. Hank immigrated to Canada in 1951 and then lived in London most of his life. He moved to Wentworth Lodge five years ago when he needed more care. We thank Wentworth Lodge’s staff for their excellent care and kindness. Friends will be received by the family on Saturday, April 1 from 12:00 until the time of Hank’s Service at 1:00 at the Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas, reception to follow. Donations in Hank’s memory to the Salvation Army or the Alzheimer Society will be appreciated.
Dear Virginia and family,
We have such wonderful memories of our Erie Ave. chats over the years. Hank was such a wonderful man. We hold you close in our thoughts and our prayers.
With sincerest sympathy and love,
Margo, Bob, Emma and Matt Hahn
5 Erie Ave.
Dear Ginger,
On behalf of Mary Moore’s family, I send our sincere condolences to you and Hank’s family. Hank was such a terrific person, well liked by all of us. You are in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mary Lynne
To “Henk”‘s Family
This is to share your grief and good memories. Growing up Henk, as an older cousin, was one of my heroes. He taught me how to swim in “de Vliet”, the canal in front of Oom Koos’s house. I knew Henk well, including his twelve siblings. My family lived in Voorburg, about two miles down the road. At the end of the War, with people starving, Henk was always able to produce food. He was a magician and kept us alive. Thank you Henk !!!!!!!
Adrian (Kleine Aat) Bontje, son of Cor and Lena
I had the pleasure of sharing many great hours with sister’s husband Hank Bontje, my brother-in-law, and my good friend of long-standing. He was a loving father and a devoted hard-working loving husband to my sister. It was very sad to watch his illness develop but comforting to know that he is now resting with his heavenly Father.
Dear Virginia, Pat & Tom,
It was with sadness that I received the news of Hank’s passing. Please accept on behalf of my entire family our sincere condolences. We all have many heartfelt memories of Hank.Hank was the best neighbour you could ask for.
It is never easy to part with a parent.
All my relations will hold you and your relations in our thoughts in the knowledge his journey will continue everafter.
I hope to make the service.
Please give our love to your mom, and accept condolences from Sharon, Sannah and all the Hassan family
With affection
Hamoody
Hamoody
Dear Virginia and family,
I’m very sorry to hear that Hank has left us. What a sweet, generous man he was. I’ll never forget how, when Brian and I first moved to Erie Avenue, Hank helped me save the Coves by bravely heading down towards the small fire that had been started (by who knows?) in the ravine next to the Hassan’s house, and he was armed only with a gardening can full of water. He was a man who liked to get things done: even when fires needed putting out. The firefighters who arrived later couldn’t have done it without him. And, even though we both got stung by hornets (him quite badly), he laughed about the event the next time we saw one another. Truly, he was a lovely man. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Teresa Hubel (with Brian Patton)
24 Erie Avenue
Dear Virginia and Family
Carl and I were sorry to hear Hank’s passing.
Thinking of you all at this time.
Deepest sympathy, Carl and Elsie Andersen
Uncle Henk was a considerate caring man who will be missed. When I was a young man, Uncle Henk gave me some solid advice and perspective which I am grateful for to this day. Rest in peace Oom Henk.
Brian Bontje
To Virginia, Pat and Tom
On behalf of the Dewdney family who lived next door on Erie Avenue, please accept our condolences. HANK was a wonderful neighbour, always willing to help out. He was cheerful and considerate, with a great sense of humour. We are sorry for your loss.