Henry P. Hessink

Henry Hessink died March 5, 2015 at the Davis Community surrounded by the caring staff of Champions Assisted Living and Davis, with the loving members of Lower Cape Fear Hospice.A unique and colorful man, he was born in Amsterdam, Holland, very proud of his Dutch heritage and still able to converse in Dutch right up to the last. Henry was the son of the late Hendrik Hessink and Catharina Immerzeel Hessink. He is preceded in death by his wife Katherine Bauer Hessink and his daughter Kate McElaney. He is survived by his daughters Marcia Conway and husband Ron, and Marian Hessink Graham and husband Tim. His grandchildren are Erin Warren and husband Mike, Joseph Conway and wife Kristin. He is amazingly survived by two great grandchildren, Audrey and Reed Warren.During World War II, Henry was honored by the city of Antwerp, Belgium for his ability to translate Dutch and German and get the information to London.Henry attended Westfield State University where he taught adult education classes in boater safety for the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. He did boat inspection for 40 years and received many accolades for his work. Henry was also a skilled tool and die maker and taught shop at Westfield, MA. Trade School. Even more rewarding was his recognition of being a member of the National Ski Patrol for 43 years. Henry was a blood donor, a member of the "gallon" club with the American Red Cross.One of his hobbies was pistol shooting. He was a championship marksman who competed for the Huntington, MA. Pistol and Gun Club.To say that Henry was colorful was spot on true. Delighting in colorful outfits, hats, and ties, he took great enjoyment entertaining everyone on campus. He loved dancing and participating in all the social events that required a costume. He was the self-appointed Mayor of the Champion/Davis Community. Each morning he started his daily routine with a patrol of the campus on his three wheeler bike. The receptionist would announce that "Elvis has left the building". His love of dogs was well known, owning at least two, sometimes three. He loved: Being a volunteer fireman, teaching his kids how to ski and sail, classical music, painting, dancing, Cape Cod, bird watching, and Brooklyn, NY.This was a man who lived his 93 years to the fullest......and did it his way!A celebration of Henry?s life will be held 11:00 am Monday, March 16, 2015 at Kenan Chapel at Landfall with a reception to follow in the Nicholas Club House at Landfall.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Paws Place, Inc., 3701 E Boiling Spring Rd, Winnabow, NC 28479 or Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.