Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Neil O'Donnell Funeral Home

372 E. 100 South

Salt Lake City, Utah

Harold Kooyman Obituary

"Baba"
Our beloved father, Baba, and uncle died on March 18, 2013, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Harold was born on February 4, 1921 in Salt Lake City to Frank I. Kooyman and Elisabeth van der Toom Kooyman, both from the Netherlands. He was the youngest of seven children who grew up in a stately house on Quince Street and spent their winters sledding down the steep hill that is 300 North before being slowed by the sawdust and bales of hay at the bottom.
When he was eight, he moved to Rotterdam when his father was called to be a Mission President. He learned to speak Dutch proficiently, and always spoke fondly of his time among his extended family on the islands of Vlieland and Terschelling. He remained in touch with his cousins there throughout his life.
While a proud Dutchman by birth, his love for his wife, Vivian Barry, made him an honorary Irishman by choice. He met her while stationed at the U.S. Coast Guard base in New London, Connecticut during World War II. It was literally love at first sight. They were married on June 20, 1942, and remained so for almost 69 years, until Vivian died.
After the war, they crisscrossed the country before settling in Salt Lake City. While attending the University of Utah, he joined the Naval Reserve, and was called to active duty in Japan for the Korean War "before the ink was dry on his papers," as he used to say. One of his fondest memories was helping a Japanese Boy Scout troop learn about the United States. Years later, in the early 1990s, one of those boy scouts came to the United States for a medical conference, and travelled to Salt Lake City to see him again.
Harry loved his work for Commercial Shearing, where he was Manager of Purchasing and Traffic. He also served as the President for the Transportation Club of Salt Lake City, and the Key Toastmasters Club. But during those years of work, what he loved most of all were annual trips to New York and the east coast, early mornings on the golf course, and grilling in the shade of the black walnut tree that he planted behind his house.
Harry and Vivian loved exploring new places, and, upon retirement, travelled to Europe many times. But they used to say that the best part of any trip was the ticket that brought them home to the Wasatch Mountains and the Salt Lake Valley.
What the details of Harry's life don't adequately convey is the size of his heart and the depth of his character. He was a man of true integrity, and lived his values daily. He helped anyone-friends, neighbors, family-who needed it. No task was too big or too small. Everyone was his friend and his friends were everywhere.
Harry is survived by his daughter, Elisabeth (Kent), son Barry (JoAnn), granddaughter Jennifer (Aaron), grandson Jonathan (Alexis), and three great-grandchildren he adored: Max, Vivian, and Harrison. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren Jeff (Angie), Angie (Jeremy), Jennifer (Ryan), and Jonathan (Latice) who blessed him with 17 additional great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Vivian, parents, and siblings, Ray, Florence, Lucile, Hilda, Ruby, and Earl.
The family thankfully acknowledges the compassionate care and support offered by the staff at CareSource Home Health and Hospice, especially Debrah. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the CareSource Charitable Foundation.
A funeral service will be held at Neil O'Donnell and Sons Mortuary, 372 East 100 South, on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at noon, and family and friends may gather at 11:00 a.m. Burial at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue and T Street.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Mar. 21, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold Kooyman

Not sure what to say?





Karren & Russ Hagen

March 26, 2013

Barry & Elizabeth, as cousins you used to visit us in North Ogden - especially you Barry. Many times on those visits your Dad Harold would be with you. He was a kind, sincere man who was liked by all and deeply respected. My mother Lucile (Harolds Sister), always had a special fondness in her heart for her brother. Our deepest sympathy to you and comfort in his loving memory.
Love, Karren & Russ Hagen

Salmon

March 24, 2013

Endeavor to stay vigilant..sorry for your loss

March 24, 2013

Our thoughts are with you, Barry. Your Dad was a unique friend and neighbor to our parents, Ruth and Carl Johnson until they finished their time on this earth.. Harold would always work on projects with Carl, sit on the front porch and chat for hours, and just be there for each other through the 60 years that they were next door buddies. May your memories fill your heart and keep your Dad near to you for years to come.
Love, Brent & Lynda Johnson

Myra&Joe

March 22, 2013

when we look across the street we miss seeing the sweetest couple ever. Miss Viv was always stylish & such a lady !!! I told her many a time that I wanted to be like her. Then there was that sweet man who loved & cherished her. It isn't the same without them. We miss them dearly. They are together now. May their memory be eternal. Myra & Joe Varanakis

Lynette Scott

March 22, 2013

Lis, Kent and the Kooyman family,

I knew your dad only briefly, but he was always very pleasant and courteous, a real gentleman. I'm thinking of you and sending you, and him, thoughts of love and peace. The following short excerpt is dedicated to your father:

"....you are the soul within the Soul that is always traveling. Will I ever see you as you secretly Are in silence?" -Rumi

Lynette

Richard Hagen

March 22, 2013

Cousins Elisabeth and Barry: Uncle Harry was a true gentleman and great Uncle to me. I have many wonderful memories of our youth and our visits to Salt Lake and your visits to North Ogden. Sorry I can't come from Indiana at this time, but I will be there in spirit, praying for you to be strengthened and comforted.

Vickie O'Farrell

March 22, 2013

Barry,
My condolences on your loss. May your heart be filled with peace and happy memories.

March 21, 2013

Barry and Liz, I am so sorry about your dad. Know that you are in my prayers. JoAnne Dyrenforth Ray

Jeff J

March 21, 2013

Harry, you'll be missed greatly!! Looking forward to seeing you again in that great golf course in the sky!

March 21, 2013

Barry- Are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Randy & Karen Harwood

Tracee Greco

March 21, 2013

Barry - sorry to hear of your dad's passing. May you find solace from you grief sharing in the memory of him.

March 21, 2013

Liz& Kent, Jen & Aaron, Jonathan and Alexis--

My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. I have so many fond memories of Baba and Nana. They were a lovely pair--a true love match--and inspiring to me.

Baba was so kind and gentle and wry. I remember him sitting, seemingly pensive, while the strong women around him dominated the conversation until, finally, he interjected a joke, quietly and with a twinkle...

It takes a certain kind of gentleman to thrive among and complement women, and Baba was that kind of man.

Rebecca Walsh

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in Harold Kooyman's name

Memorial Events
for Harold Kooyman

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Neil O'Donnell Funeral Home

372 E. 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

How to support Harold's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Harold Kooyman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more