Nominated by MHADRTA members, Annita Pinder and Donna Mae Goldade, Henk’s extensive volunteering was highlighted at the surprise recognition ceremony at the April 12 General Meeting.

 

A man known for his organizational skills, Henk has been active as the Treasurer of MHADRTA for more than a decade. He organizes and participates in working with groups that deal with the homeless and disadvantaged citizens of our community. Henk organizes volunteers for the Salvation Army’s Feed the Needy and St. Barnabas Church’s Feed the Hungry programs—something he has done for the past fifteen years in retirement!

 

He’s involved as a driver for Meals on Wheels program and is part of the Special Olympics committee. Henk is an active member of Holy Family Parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus. With this organization, he organizes bingos, pancake breakfasts, the annual picnic and the annual corn roast.

 

Henk was born in Holland, came to Canada as a young boy, and grew up in Grande Prairie. He came to Medicine Hat by accident in 1967 and planned on spending three years here—and it’s 2023 and he’s still here! Henk and his wife, Rita are the parents of three children and proud grandparents of five. A successful career of 33 years as a teacher and administrator at McCoy High School was followed up in retirement with substitute teaching and an abundance of tutoring in addition to volunteering. Henk loves to be busy, and now no longer teaching or tutoring, MHADRTA—and the entire city of Medicine Hat—are truly blessed to be on the receiving end of his generous and unselfish gift of volunteering!

​

Mel Deydey

President, MHADRTA