LEENSTRA, Henry

Henry Leenstra

1938 – 2021

Henry Leenstra of Lethbridge, AB, beloved husband of Tina, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 9, 2021, after a lengthy illness. He was 82 years old.

Henry was born in Heeg, Friesland NL on November 20th, 1938, to Fred and Edith Leenstra. The Leenstra family immigrated to Canada from Holland in 1950 when Henry was 11 years old. They began their lives in Iron Springs, AB but moved to Vauxhall a few years later where they settled. Henry was a brilliant student and excelled in school. He attended S.A.I.T at the age of 18 where he received his Automotive Mechanic Certificate with honours. He then married his best friend and love of his life, Tina Span, on November 3, 1960. Together they began building their life and family. Henry thrived in the game of business. He was blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit, working for himself almost immediately. He established many successful businesses that operate to this day in Southern Alberta. Henry would start each day at the coffee shop with his dear friend Fred Herrmann where they would discuss current events and debate the fine details. Besides his business savvy nature, he also had an affinity for farming and ranching. He had a passion for the land, and livestock, which brought him contentment in his later years. Henry was a man of few words with a quick wit and quiet wisdom. He was loved dearly and will be sorely missed.

Besides his loving wife, Henry is survived by his daughter Cindy Leenstra-Skelly; three sons Ken (Tracy), LeRoy (Lisa) and Trevor (Carmen); grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Keith Dykslag and his children Maverick and Memphis, Tiffany Long (James) and their children Lucia and Roman, Riley Dykslag (Shaelen) and their children Finley and Layne, Jillian Calnan and her children Georgia and Emmett, Ethan, Mykalah, Seth, Olivia, Jocelyn Babcock (Matthew) and their daughter Brianna, Ryan, Cassidy, Dakota (Sarah), and Carter Leenstra. He is also survived by his brothers Simon, Andy and Bill Leenstra; and sisters Henny Senneker, Pearl Tjepkema, Tina Oevering, and their spouses. He is also survived by Tina’s brothers and sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Henry was pre-deceased by his parents Fred and Edith Leenstra, his brothers Thomas, Fred and Ray, and his son-in-law Seamas Skelly.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, August 13, 2021, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, with Reverend John Van Eyk, officiating. Interment to follow in the Archmount Cemetery. The family invites those who wish to watch the service via livestream at www.mbfunerals.com and scrolling to the bottom of Henry’s obituary.

“We are standing on the solid rock and God’s faithfulness sustains us.”

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.