It is with wonderful memories of a life well lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Harm Jacob Hazekamp, 79, of Langley, BC, on Friday May 14, 2021, with his loving wife, Maureen, by his side.
Harm was born to parents Harm and Rika on July 21, 1941 in Middlestum, Holland, and graduated from Technical School in May 1959.
In August 1960, at 19, he set out from Holland to immigrate to Canada. Landing in Montreal, he thought they took him to the wrong Country because they only spoke French. After the long train trip across Canada to Edmonton, he arrived on a hot August day, with his little suitcase in hand, ready to start his new adventure. Early the next week he started working at Amsterdam Auto Body, and from there, proudly built a reputation as a master in his trade as an Auto Body Technician.
After his family was grown, Harm embarked on his next adventure to the outdoors – he loved it! He loved seeing the City in the rear-view mirror and looking forward to the country ahead. So many great memories of hunting and camping around Cynthia with friends. Later, he found his favorite get-away at Blue Lake - his favorite place for hunting or just getting away (even for a honeymoon!). A couple of times a year, he loved spending time with Trevor and the girls in High Prairie – helping with fencing, cattle, branding, fixing things – who knew, Cowboy Harm! In the late 90’s, he got into doing half-marathons. His race circuit was Edmonton, Calgary, Kelowna and Vancouver, finishing 36 half-marathons before his knees gave out. He walked faster than some slow runners, had a distinguishable gait, and always was very focused when participating (of course talking to everyone along the way..)
Travelling was also a priority – going to Holland to see his family, annual trips to Mexico where he met friends from all over the US, Las Vegas (he said to please Maureen, but he did love driving Nascar cars, going to Oiler’s games, sitting by the lazy river pool at the MGM, and even got into playing the slots a bit!)
When he retired around 2005, to keep him busy, ‘Grandpa’, as he was called, worked at Riverside Motosports delivering new treasures to their customers. The only problem him being there was he was always wanting to update his own equipment one more time!
In May 2011, Harm proudly, and finally, became a Canadian Citizen.
In 2015, he and Maureen moved to Langley, BC – a big adjustment for him, but he came to love it.
To say Harm was a social person is an understatement – he loved to spark conversation with everyone he came in contact with. He cared deeply for everyone and was always there to lend a helping hand or offer his opinion or thoughts on just about everything (wanted or not..lol). Family and friends meant so much to Harm – he touched so many lives in special ways. His stories will live on forever!
He leaves behind his loving wife and soulmate of 27 years, Maureen; his 3 children: Howard, Rob (Yvonne), Jackie (Brent), and his step-daughter Brenda (Leighton); 5 grandchildren: Mallory (Adam), Bradley (Kelley), Rebecca, Brett, Mia (Luke), two step-grandchildren: MacKenzie, Cassidy; and 4 great-grandchildren: Finn, Leo, Caralily, Kaydianne, his siblings in Holland: Hiltje (Jaap), Jacob (Gretha), Trieneke (Jan) and Anneke (Herman), and many nieces and nephews.
There were so many special people in Harm’s life we can’t mention all – but you know who you are! My darling you will be missed!
There is no service planned at this time due to the pandemic. The family plans to host a Celebration of Life for Harm, COVID permitting, around what would have been his 80th birthday, July 21st, 2021 in Edmonton. Details will be announced when they are known. View Tribute Book.
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