Henry Klok, age 88 of Smithers, BC passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. He was born on October 1, 1927 in Smilde, Drenthe, The Netherlands the son of Hendrik and Willemke. Henry loved change and moved many times in his lifetime.
He went to Indonesia during World War II and helped the Dutch army. When he came back to Holland he suggested to the family to immigrate to Canada. They boarded a ship and came to New York and then journeyed to Taber, AB. After a year of beet farming Henry decided to go to Bible school in Grand Rapids, where he met Evelyn Kistemaker. They were soon married and lived in Toronto, where four children were born. Soon enough Henry was itching to move, the family was packed up and moved to Northern Alberta. Henry became a lay preacher in Tawatinaw, and two more children were added to the family. It was time for the older children to go to school, so we moved again to Lacombe. After a year, Henry looked to the west, and the family was packed up again and moved to Ladner, BC. Here Henry started his landscaping business. Clock’s Landscaping became a well-known name, employing all the children, in mowing, watering and planting. We did apartment and condominium complexes and we even did Dieffenbaker Park in Twassasen. After twelve years, it was decided we would move to farm land in Abbotsford. Henry bought 5 acres and built a house on the hill, that was sold and another house built below. We farmed goats and corn for a time, but then it was decided to move to warmer land in the Okanagan. The little farm was sold to Money’s Mushrooms and lots were bought in Parker Cove. For a few years Henry & Evelyn lived in a trailer and went to Palm Springs every winter. Then they built a house overlooking the lake. After a while it was decided to move to Telkwa to live closer to the children and grandchildren. They ended up in the house that Jack built on 5 acres, where Henry could do some gardening which he enjoyed so much. As they were aging, they decided it was too much work and they needed to live in Smithers. They moved to an apartment and then were able to purchase a place in Silver King Court. After a couple of years there, Henry’s health was going down so he moved into the Bulkley Lodge. After a year and a half Henry’s struggle with dementia ended and now he lives with his Saviour and Lord. The burial took place on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 in the Smithers Cemetery and a Memorial Service followed at the Bethel URC with Pastor Lou Slagter officiating. We would like to thank all the staff at the Bulkley Lodge for all their help, and the Hospice Society during Henry’s final days. We would also like to thank the Bethel Church family for supplying lunch and dinner for the family during the day of the service.
Henry will be lovingly remembered by his wife Evelyn; children Richard and his children Maria (Derek) & Lydia; Marilyn and her children Marcus & Maya; Charles; Paula (Jack) and their children Jonathan, Michael (Carmelle and children Arianne & Jackson), Christopher, Robert, David & Steven; Louis and his children Matthew, Lukas, Jonah & Sarah; and youngest son George. He is also survived by many loving relatives and friends. One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my Life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27,4 Condolences may be offered at www.raschraderfuneralhome.com.