RYPKEMA, Hank
1922 - 2017
After a lengthy illness, Hank Rypkema passed away peacefully with family by his side on November 18, 2017. He is survived by Margaret, his wife of 47 years. Son Chris and Suzanne; stepdaughter Doreen Randshuizen and Ferdinand; stepson Larry Willes and Deloris; stepson Jerry Willes and Sharon; stepdaughters Debby Willes and Laurie Willes. fifteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Hank was predeceased by son Geert Rypkema; daughter Liz Rypkema and daughter-in-law Heather.
Hank was born in Sneek Netherlands in 1922. He grew up in the family blacksmithing and stove making business. Hank attended post- secondary school and graduated in Business Administration.
During WWII, Hank was in the Dutch Underground where he helped downed pilots, hid people from the invaders and was involved in some very dangerous missions where he also met his first wife Corry, and in 1950 immigrated to Canada. They had three children: Geert, Chris and Elizabeth.
Hank started Alaskan Heating and Air- conditioning in 1955, which today carries on with second and third generations as Insight Technologies. Over the decades the company evolved to include firms involved in manufacturing, real estate and development.
Hank met Marg and they married in 1970. In 1980, they retired to Shuswap lake, B.C. where they built a beautiful home and enjoyed their love for gardening. They moved to Kelowna and after 25 years in B.C., eventually came back to Edmonton to be close to family
Hank's easy-going personality made him fun to be with and he and Marg enjoyed socializing both with friends and family.
Hank will be dearly missed by family and their many friends.
We are grateful to Hank's caregivers at Grandview Center in Edmonton. Donations to the Parkinson's Society are welcome.
Services were held privately in Edmonton and a Celebration of his Life will be held in the future.
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.