Obituary of Hendrik Pieter Ryskamp

Hendrik Pieter Ryskamp, “Henk” as he was lovingly called, completed his earthly journey and was welcomed to heaven by his Lord on December 16, 2020.  Born in 1923 in the Netherlands, Henk was the youngest of six children.  He and his wife Jenny (Eigeman) were married in 1948 and immigrated to Canada in 1952 to pursue a dream of farming their own land.  They were blessed with 71 years together. 

Henk leaves a meaningful legacy for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His love of the land and nature grew out of a deep faith in God as the creator and sustainer of this world. He was deeply committed to family and church, never missing a chance to worship, and always eager to support his children in their ministry commitments and vocations.

Henk was equally proud of his Dutch heritage and the Canadian one he adopted. Immigrating to a new land required determination and hard work and Henk often joked that his initials “HP” stood for horsepower. Whether the result was a crop harvested or a project completed for a friend or child, hard work was one way Henk expressed his love and commitment. 

He had a heart for serving others and together with Jenny welcomed several foster children into their home.  Henk served as an elder in the church and actively supported the work of World Renew and RITE-Ukraine.

Left to follow in his legacy are his children: Andrew and Kris Ryskamp, Sylvia and Gary DeBoer, John and Ellie Ryskamp, Carol Speelman, Cynthia and Martin Overgaauw, Jenda Ryskamp, fifteen grandchildren and thirty-eight great grandchildren.  He leaves a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Pieter and Willemijn Eigeman, many nieces, nephews and friends in the Netherlands, Canada, and the USA.  Henk is predeceased by his dear wife Jenny, his son-in law Peter Speelman, three sisters, two brothers and their spouses.

Those wishing to honor his generous spirit are encouraged to make a donation to World Renew (online or by cheque), or RITE-Ukraine (cheque only) in his honor. There will be a private visitation on Saturday December 19, 2020 at DENNING’S OF STRATHROY. followed by Family Internment at Resurrection Cemetery, Sarnia, ON. A Memorial Service to be held at Providence United Reformed Church, 447 Second St. Strathroy, ON Saturday December 19, 2020 at 2pm. Online condolences and donations can be made at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com.

Please register to attend the funeral service through the link below.

https://signup.com/go/yZqqxJV

Those who wish to watch the service via livestream may visit 

http://strathroyurc.net/ click on livestream on the menu bar at 2pm.