Obituary of Henry van Zutphen

Video Link for Funeral Mass     https://youtu.be/TI41vRrDbEI

Henricus Franciscus (Henry) van Zutphen passed awaypeacefully at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital surrounded by his family on April 19, 2021 at the age of 88. 

Although we are saddened by the absence this leaves in our family, we take comfort in the knowledge that he is now in the presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Henry (Poppie) was born in Holland, the eldest of eleven children to the late Elizabeth (van den Hoogen) and John van Zutphen. Henry, alongside his family and cousin, immigrated to Canada at the age of 18.

Henry married the love of his life, Mary (Peeters, predeceasedAugust 2020) in 1957. The couple realized their dreams and purchased their farm in Lower South River in 1961 and together they raised their six children. Mom and Dad were lifelong partners for 63 years. 

Henry had a passion for farming. His devotion to his farm was demonstrated by continually striving to improve his operation. He was an ambitious and a motivated farmer who was always available to support his neighbours, friends and his community. He was determined, a little stubborn, only at times, but he always strived to do his best. 

Together, Henry and Mary built a life they loved on their farm that was based on hard work, respect of one another and the land. Henry retired from farming in 1988. With more free time the pair liked to travel, a few of their favourite destinations were Ontario, Florida and Holland. Poppie could turn his hand to anything. He was skillful in carpentry and mechanics. Nothing was ever thrown out because he could always find another use or two. 

He is survived by his children John Van Zutphen, Anne Marie MacInnis (Leroy), Liz Farrell (Tom), Linda Kennedy, and Brenda MacInnis (Rick), as well as 23 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren, with another on the way, all of whom he held dearly. Henry is also survived by his brothers, Father Vincent, John (Teresa), Ted (Hermina), Ben (Sherry), Joe (Carmen), Alphonse, and sisters Annie Beaton (A.J.), Mary Buchanan, and cousin Rieka along with a large extended family. 

Henry was predeceased by his daughter Mary Lou Hill, son William in infancy, grandson Jamie MacInnis, brother Frank and sister Ricky Redden. 

The family of the late Henry van Zutphen would like to thank Dr. Booth, Dr. Cooper and the Palliative Care Team at St. Martha’s. We are forever grateful of the VON team that supported him to allow him to stay in his home. 

To our dear Poppie, may you rest in eternal peace. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in St. Andrews Church, St. Andrews, NS. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be limited space at the private family funeral mass. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Donations may be made to the Antigonish Food Bank or St. Andrew's Cemetery Fund. Online condolences and/or donations may be made by visiting www.MacIsaacs.ca.