Obituary for Hendrikus Visch
Hendrikus Visch
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Henry (Henk) Visch on January 28, 2021.
Henry is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Kay; children, Carol, Barbara and Rob (Shawna); grandchildren, Ezra (Corrie), Erin, Desirae (Braedi), Nicole (Daniel), Carole (Derek), Kyle (Beth), Victoria, Elise; great grandchildren, Ellamae, Jakob, Lucas, Izabel, Avery and Baby B; and his siblings, Ada and Makkie. Henry was predeceased by his siblings, Rina, Bea, Hermine, Lammert, and his son-in-law Victor Neudorf.
Henry was born in the Netherlands on November 6, 1927. He spent his early years in Oldebroek enjoying school and working in the family store. After high school, he went to Basel Switzerland with his friend (and future brother-in-law) Theo Van Petegem where he received his degree in Theology from St. Chrischona. After graduation, doors opened for further studies in Canada under the sponsorship of Ben and Mary Wall. In 1953, Henry graduated from Mennonite Brethren Bible College and afterward continued further studies at Waterloo College where he found his calling to become a teacher. After receiving his education degree, Henry taught for two years in Eganville, Ontario until he accepted the position of Vice Principal at Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute, moving on to River East Collegiate and finally finishing his career as VP of John Pritchard School at the age of 55. Henry was a passionate teacher who loved engaging with his students.
It was at a curling event in Winnipeg where Henry met Kay Martens. In July 1959, they were married and soon after were blessed with three children. The family enjoyed playing sports together and every year they packed the trailer for summer adventures. Henry loved teaching Sunday school whether it was at church or in the basement of their Glenwood home. Being an immigrant himself, Henry felt a desire to support other newcomers to Canada. Henry and Kay’s fellowship group sponsored families from Vietnam and Iran. Henry dedicated time to teach English to newcomers. After church, the Visch family regularly hosted college students and others for lunch. It was not uncommon for the Visch table to have many guests on a Sunday.
After retiring, Henry and Kay travelled together, tenting and backpacking around the world. They were also invited to teach English at Lithuanian Christian College. When grandchildren came along, they stayed closer to home to support them in their school and sports activities. Henry was blessed with a loving group of close friends: Neil F, George, Art and Neil J, with whom he had a weekly bridge group. Henry was a kind and gentle man who lived his life in service to God. He had an open heart and a listening ear. He will be greatly missed. We love you dad.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Square One Media.
A service will be held at Friends Funeral Service by invitation only on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. A livestream of the service can viewed at http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/10337
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Henry (Henk) Visch on January 28, 2021.
Henry is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Kay; children, Carol, Barbara and Rob (Shawna); grandchildren, Ezra (Corrie), Erin, Desirae (Braedi), Nicole (Daniel), Carole (Derek), Kyle (Beth), Victoria, Elise; great grandchildren, Ellamae, Jakob, Lucas, Izabel, Avery and Baby B; and his siblings, Ada and Makkie. Henry was predeceased by his siblings, Rina, Bea, Hermine, Lammert, and his son-in-law Victor Neudorf.
Henry was born in the Netherlands on November 6, 1927. He spent his early years in Oldebroek enjoying school and working in the family store. After high school, he went to Basel Switzerland with his friend (and future brother-in-law) Theo Van Petegem where he received his degree in Theology from St. Chrischona. After graduation, doors opened for further studies in Canada under the sponsorship of Ben and Mary Wall. In 1953, Henry graduated from Mennonite Brethren Bible College and afterward continued further studies at Waterloo College where he found his calling to become a teacher. After receiving his education degree, Henry taught for two years in Eganville, Ontario until he accepted the position of Vice Principal at Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute, moving on to River East Collegiate and finally finishing his career as VP of John Pritchard School at the age of 55. Henry was a passionate teacher who loved engaging with his students.
It was at a curling event in Winnipeg where Henry met Kay Martens. In July 1959, they were married and soon after were blessed with three children. The family enjoyed playing sports together and every year they packed the trailer for summer adventures. Henry loved teaching Sunday school whether it was at church or in the basement of their Glenwood home. Being an immigrant himself, Henry felt a desire to support other newcomers to Canada. Henry and Kay’s fellowship group sponsored families from Vietnam and Iran. Henry dedicated time to teach English to newcomers. After church, the Visch family regularly hosted college students and others for lunch. It was not uncommon for the Visch table to have many guests on a Sunday.
After retiring, Henry and Kay travelled together, tenting and backpacking around the world. They were also invited to teach English at Lithuanian Christian College. When grandchildren came along, they stayed closer to home to support them in their school and sports activities. Henry was blessed with a loving group of close friends: Neil F, George, Art and Neil J, with whom he had a weekly bridge group. Henry was a kind and gentle man who lived his life in service to God. He had an open heart and a listening ear. He will be greatly missed. We love you dad.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Square One Media.
A service will be held at Friends Funeral Service by invitation only on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. A livestream of the service can viewed at http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/10337