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Hendrik "Henk" Van Poederooyen

September 1, 2017

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Hendrik Van Poederooyen

1926 - September 1, 2017

Hendrik Van Poederooyen (1926 - 2017) passed away while dancing on Friday afternoon September 1st, 2017.

Henk or Hank, was predeceased by his wife Lidy VP, brother Kees VP, sister Bep Lundal, grandson Chris Fear and son-in-law Frank Fear.

Henk grew up during the war in The Netherlands. After a 2 year stint fighting for the Dutch in Indonesia, he wanted to try out North America and he, his wife and 2 young children ended up in Vancouver in 1954. 

In the early '60's, in Port Alberni, he greeted the arrival of his third child and began his dream career of forestry, which he trained for in Holland.

Always conscientious and environmentally aware, his stewardship is responsible for much of the new forest growth between Port Alberni and Pacific Rim and up and down the Alberni Canal. His meticulous nature, ready smile and handsome looks earned him the moniker of 'Hollywood Hank' around the logging camps, which he enjoyed. He was a classy, well-dressed guy; everywhere he went, he went in style.

Hank loved to dance. Once retired, dancing became his passion and the last 15 - 20 years were in pursuit of dances. He could be found dancing the night away at the MGM in Nanaimo most evenings while he lived there. Once in White Rock, Hank found numerous close by venues to dance.

Shortly before he passed, Hank told a staff nurse, "I'll die dancing", and he did, right according to his script; Hollywood Hank, thanks for being you . . . you'll be fondly missed.

We'd like to thank Pacifica Retirement for helping make his last 4 years some of his best times.

Hank is survived by his 3 children, 3 grand-children, 4 great grand-children and 1 great, great grand-daughter.

There will be a private family Celebration of Life in White Rock, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can made to: BC Parks Partnership & Donations Program.



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