Obituary of Henk Looman

Looman, Henk

Hendrikus Geradus Looman

Apr 29, 1927 - Oct 26, 2023

With great sorrow, the family announces the passing of Henk Looman at Sherbrooke Centre. Dad was born April 29th,1927 in Didam, The Netherlands. He lived on a farm and was the 3rd oldest with 10 siblings.

During WWII it was difficult in the Netherlands. In a matter of days, the Nazi’s occupied the Netherlands. Both Dad and Mom lived on the farm and there was always food. Not so much for the city people. Dad had to work for the Germans during the war. When WWII ended Dad joined the Dutch army and was stationed in Indonesia. He did not want to come back to The Netherlands and could have gone for free to Canada, Australia or New Zealand. His mother wanted him home. Like a good son he came home. But then dad & mom started dating. They were engaged to be married. But Dad always wanted to leave The Netherlands.

In 1954 he flew to Saskatoon. Mom’s brother was living here at that time. My mom stayed in The Netherlands because her father was sick and had passed away. Dad got a job and bought a house and Mom came to Saskatoon in 1955. They were married Oct 1, 1955 at St. Mary’s Church. They embraced Canada and made it their home.

When Dad arrived in Saskatoon he worked for Dutch Growers and farmers around Saskatoon. He then worked most of his life at the Western Stockyards working himself up to manager. When the Western Stockyards closed, he moved to the Hog Commission until he retired at age 62 (1989).

As kids we camped a lot and when they retired they bought a motorhome and travelled to Arizona for 3 months (Jan - Mar) for 10 years. They also continued to camp in Canada during the summer.

Dad started playing golf more seriously when he retired and continued playing 5 days a week until age 92. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards especially Crib.

During his life he always loved to fix things and did lots around the house.

Mom & Dad travelled back to The Netherlands a number of times. For their 25th anniversary they travelled to Australia and New Zealand. Dad’s sister lived in New Zealand.

Dad loved Hockey. He watched his 2 sons, 3 grandsons and also great grandsons play hockey. And of course he watched hockey on TV as much as possible.

They volunteered lots for the church. Family was always important to him. He loved it when we were all together.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years Marie,

children:

Doreen (Myron) Swityk,

          Erin (David) Hamel,

                   Faith (Chris), Autumn

                   Cameron (Aurora)

          Meghan (Geoff) Fossenier

                   Julianna, William & Ariane

Arlene (Pat) Clavelle,

          Amanda (Anthony) Penner

                   Olivier and Felix

          Sara Clavelle

          Curtis Clavelle (Steve Langdon)

Andrew (Kim),

Michael (Cindy),

          Kyle (Paige)

                   Maverick and Coleson

          Trevor (Anna)

          Noah (Bryn)

He is pre-deceased by his parents and siblings in The Netherlands.

We wish to express our gratitude for the care Dad received at Sherbrooke Community Centre and Trinity Manor.

Vigil of Prayer will be at St. Mary’s Church, Saskatoon Thurs. Nov. 2 at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Kevin McGee Fri. Nov. 3 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Church, Saskatoon