On the morning of February 7, 2025, Herman slipped quietly from his time in the quagmire of Dementia and Kidney Failure into the perfection of his Heavenly Father's Home. He was born in Onstwedde, the Netherlands, in 1933. After the second world war, his family moved to Delft so that Herman could enrol in the famous Technical University there. Instead, he chose to emigrate to Canada in 1956 after his compulsory stint in the army and a few temporary jobs. He soon persuaded his then girlfriend, Joyce (the love of his life), to join him and they were married in 1957.
He loved his job with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) but no matter what Herman tackled in life he pursued passionately, from playing the organ at church, to writing letters to the editor, to sailing, to sitting on or chairing Boards. But his main hobby was building, or rebuilding, pipe organs which he did with much enthusiasm. Music, math, and a little bit of magic were among his favourite things. After he retired from the MTO, he threw himself into finally achieving his father's dream and getting his BA at Lakehead University, majoring in Math and Music.
Herman is survived by his wife Joyce (Johanna) of 67 years, daughter Karen (Brad), and son Paul (Barb), five grandchildren and (almost) eleven great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Adult Day Program through the St. Joseph's Foundation. Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Online Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
