Mr. Hendrik "Harry" Alkema

Hendrik “Harry” Samuel Alkema Jr was born on February 8th, 1939. The eldest son of his beloved parents Lil and Hank Alkema. He grew up with his brother Sam, and three sisters Rose-Marie, Carolyn & Kathy – along with many cousins, aunts and uncles, whom his parents would often welcome to their home.

When he was young, he loved square dancing, cars, being in the Scouts, and working in the local bowling alley setting up pins and making extra money to buy his own 3-speed bicycle.

As a young man, he started working on the tugboats starting off as a deckhand with Captain Flewin, fighting through the storms and memorized by the beauty of Alaska. He worked in the tug industry for quite a few years until he met his future wife Leokadia “Linda” Kubow. He then moved on to the field office of a steel plant on Annacis Island, where he later retired from.

He had one daughter, Arlana, and they spent their days together in their family home in Delta, often spending time with Lil and Kathy in Richmond, and Bart, Carolyn, Andrew and Ariane before they moved farther away. They also visited Montreal often to visit Linda’s family. Harry is predeceased by Linda, who passed away in June of 1997. Harry also was close to many wonderful nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends who were a great part of his life. He also enjoyed getting to know his new grandkids, Kinley, Kaden, Kayla and Sofia and was very proud to be called Grandpa. He also loved getting his ‘bear hugs’ from his son-in-law Shane.

Harry spent 15 wonderful years with his second wife, Jackie Carlyle. They loved to RV with their friends from the Cedar complex. They were true “Snowbirds”, spending the winters in Palm Springs, playing cards, golf and bocce before Jackie passed in August of 2018.

The last few years weren’t easy, but he bravely fought his cancer, staying independent, and keeping everyone laughing and on their toes. Saying goodbye to Harry isn’t easy – he’s been here all our lives. Even knowing you have time to say goodbye, it’s just not enough. But we all know that he is up there dancing away with everyone! Rest easy Harry until we meet again.