Henry Strydhorst was born to Henry and Gladys Strydhorst on March 19, 1936 in Neerlandia Alberta, the oldest son and third-born of thirteen children. The Strydhorst farm was always a hive of activity, with everyone pitching in with childcare, baking, splitting firewood, farm work, etc. Hard work, Christian faith, and love for family were nurtured here.
Henry left school after 9th grade to help his family on the farm. Consulting a local carpenter and the 4-volume Audels Carpenter and Builders Guide, 17-year-old Henry and brother James constructed the hip-roof barn which still stands on the Strydhorst homestead (Sya Strydhorst’s yard). For many years, Henry put his carpentry skills to work building homes and barns in the community. Logging and sawing lumber were often part of winter work.
In 1960, Henry bought his own quarter of land southwest of Vega from Melle Elzinga, and built a house in short order. He married Sandra Elgersma on June 15, 1962. Though they had grown up scarcely a half a mile from each other, it wasn’t until Young People’s meetings and long walks home that romance blossomed. They celebrated sixty-two years together only two days before Henry’s passing.
Henry and Sandra were blessed with six children: Harvey (Martin), Albert (Carolyn), Gloria (Kevin), Simon (Sonya), Barry (Lorna), and Marianne (Dwayne). They have fourteen grandchildren: Jessica (Ian), Kristin (Johnny),Andrea (Henry),Amani (Dave),Alex (Elisa), Nico, Natasha (John-Mark),Ariana (Josh), Justine, Carmen (Daniel), Taryn (Quinn), Tyler (Makayla), Aimie (Curtis), Brooke (Brayden). One week before his death, Henry met his second great-grandchild on FaceTime from Kazakhstan: Cassandra, joining her brother William.
With a love for the land and farming, Henry added two quarters from Frank Robinson west of the hamlet of Vega in 1966. This became known within the family as simply “the north place.” The first years of ownership involved clearing bush with the John Deere 420 crawler, burning piles, and what seemed a never ending spring ritual of picking roots.
Henry was the definition of a handyman. Whether it was cutting or gluing or welding or screwing, his handiwork was all over homes, furniture, quilts, and machinery. Numerous kettles, toilets, tools, and shovels remained useful long after their best-before date.
Henry was an active member of the Neerlandia CRC, serving on consistory and various committees. He was an avid supporter of missions, especially World Missions (Resonate) and Wycliffe Bible Translators. Though not much of a singer himself, he loved choirs, with a special place in his heart for the Neerlandia Men’s Chorus. Henry and Sandra were well-known in the community for generous hospitality.
In 2019, Henry was diagnosed with asbestosis, which limited his activities and eventually saw him on continuous oxygen. However, he remained enthusiastic for camping and fishing at Slave Lake, and especially for a rollicking game of cards with his children, grandchildren, Sandra, or visitors.
One of Henry’s favorite Bible verses was Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”. He often remarked in reflective moments, “I know I’m a sinner, saved by God’s grace.”
In his later years, Henry often responded to statements of “I love you Dad”, or “I love you Grandpa”, with “I love you much.” We will recall this often, a cherished memory.
Viewing: Wednesday June 26, 7-9 P.M. Rose Garden Chapel, 5326-48 Street, Barrhead. Open to the public.
Funeral: Thursday June 27, 1 P.M. Neerlandia Christian Reformed Church.
Donations to Resonate Global Mission welcomed in honour of Henry Strydhorst: http://www.resonateglobalmission.org/memory
