Henry DERKSEN

DERKSEN, Henry (Hank) Jacob
February 17, 1936 – July 17, 2018

Loving husband, father and grandfather, Hank will be so missed by his wife of 59 years, Flo, daughter Michelle (Don), son Jeffrey (Shelagh) and grandson Russell. Also left behind are two brothers, Abe and George (Barbara), sisters Agnes (Joe), Anne, Lee (John), Margaret, Marie, Sadie and Sue, and many nieces and nephews. Sister Tina passed away in 2001. Born in Cabri, Saskatchewan, Hank was 8 when, with parents and his 10 siblings, they moved to Greendale, an area of Chilliwack. After graduation Hank found work in the lumber industry, firstly with MacMillan Bloedel and later with E.L. Sauder. Married to Flo in 1959, daughter born in '62, and son in '64. Our young family enjoyed summer vacations in the Okanagan, and down the west coast. Hank's singing and ability to recall the full lyrics of hundreds of songs and poems – from traditional arrangements to show tunes to pop music - was a consistent joy for his family. Hank was a sports guy – playing, coaching, and spectating. Recreational field hockey and softball teams in the '60s, bowling in men's leagues at the Blue Boy Hotel lanes, and mixed leagues with Flo into the '80s. His favourite sport was golf and he was an avid golfer, playing most weekends and travelling to tournaments with other fellows in B.C. and the U.S. Retirement in '96 led to the purchase of a camper van and fun fishing trips to the interior with sister Agnes and husband Joe, visits with extended family in the Kootenays, and adventures in Reno with friends Rene and Marie. Grandson Russell was born in 2002 and we shared time and travel between Vancouver and Toronto, an Inside Passage sail to Alaska, midnight golf in Dawson, and the sandy beaches of Melaque, Mexico. In recent years, Hank delighted in witnessing his grandson's many successes on the mound as a pitcher, and goal scoring prowess on the rink. We wish to thank Dr. Lakhi and nurses at Richmond General Hospital for their care and kindness on the day he was there. Request made and respected, there will be no funeral or service. Donations to Leukemia Research Foundation would be the charity of Hank's choice. Very sadly missed by us today and ever shall be.