Henry John Stronks

Henry Stronks, age 70, of Moore Falls, Ontario passed away suddenly on Thursday, October 1, 2026 a day after their amazing 3 week camping trip to the East Coast. He and Diane, his wife of 49 years, enjoyed all their adventures and on the way home they revisited Quebec City, the first time they had been back to the city since they started dating there 53 years earlier. What a serendipitous bookend to their life together!

He is survived by his wife Diane Prinzen Stronks, his sons and daughters, Anna and Matt Harris (Ethan, Cassia, Zachary); Derek and Jen Stronks (Caleb, Rowan, Rayah, Jacob); Helena Stronks and Jenna MacLeod (Grayson); Gerard and Jackie Stronks (Kendall, Finley). He is also survived by his mother Wilma Stronks (Derk Stronks †); and his brothers and sisters-in-law : Glenn (†) and Joanne Stronks (Josh and Shannon Stronks; Amanda Stronks); Rick and Kelly Stronks; Ed and Barb Stronks (Olivia, Griffin). He will be missed by his father-in-law Albert Prinzen (Gerry Prinzen †) and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Lidy and Harry Molenaar (Angela and Mans Eisen; Marc and Tina (†) Molenaar); Al and Teresa Prinzen; Joanne and Gary Kempenaar (Alan Kempenaar (†) Chris Kempenaar, Liz DeLong and Jeff Casey , Alicia Kempenaar) Henry and Elaine Prinzen (Stephen and Victoria Prinzen , Jeremy Prinzen, Rebecca Prinzen, Seth Prinzen); Will Prinzen; Kim Prinzen (Alex Prinzen and Laura Lofti; Kaulin and Montana Prinzen; Aleida Prinzen and Thom Laur.)

Henry was born in Hamilton, Ontario to Derk and Wilma, immigrants from the Netherlands, he was the oldest of 4 extremely mischievous and critical thinking boys. With his family’s encouragement , he went to university and graduate school and he proudly got his Masters and PhD from the University of Guelph (1980, 1984).

Henry was privileged to be a lead in Dr.Edward Janzen’s research group and as a result, Henry was charged with running his research group and making sure grants and monies were well taken care of. Ed hosted an international conference in 1980 for EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) and it was there that Henry met Dr. Martin Smith of Bruker Canada. It was at that conference in Guelph Martin offered Henry a career with Bruker. Four years later Henry accepted this offer.

Henry loved his work at Bruker. He found it stimulating and interesting. He was connected to almost every Chemistry Department in Canada and he developed wonderful relationships both in Milton with his colleagues and with others across the world. He travelled extensively and was what we as a family affectionately called a modern day “coureur de bois”.

Over his career, he received much recognition and yet as a family we weren’t really all that aware of his accomplishments or awards. He humbly downplayed much of it. Henry retired from Bruker in 2021 and joined Purity IQ in 2022 as their Chief Science Officer. Working with Purity IQ was a beautiful transition from full-time work and yet kept him connected to his passion for NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and the chemistry community.

Henry and Diane developed a deep friendship with Patricia Davis of Waterloo. They met Pat in 1979 when they were invited to her cottage to help her open and close the cottage. Over the years, she became the “godmother”. Eventually they had the opportunity to purchase a lot on East Moore Lake and that began a long legacy of building a cottage, developing friendships in Moore Falls and connecting with nature in a most profound way.

Henry loved people. He was kind, empathetic and loyal. Through his work at the University of Guelph and Bruker, it was a normal occurrence to host people from across the globe. Everyone was welcome at the Stronks home and it was a centre of hospitality and fun. Our home was party central not only to family but also to many friends/colleagues rom work, church, school and the community. Henry was able to hang out with folks from all walks of life. His passion was to invest in others especially those for whom he felt had the potential to grow and develop. He sought out opportunities for others and always allowed others to advance. He loved the trades, he admired those who were entrepreneurs, and he also loved academics and those who were versant in politics, philosophy and science.

Henry almost always said yes to any request for help. It was a beautiful trait but also one that sometimes caused him to burn-out. If he learned one thing in retirement, it was when to say yes but also when to say no. Through support and many professional conversations especially over the last number of years, he found a balance and a peace for himself.

Henry liked to joke that he was a superhero (there are those who know he has Batman cufflinks) however his superpower was his family. He was so proud of his children and their spouses. He believed he was the luckiest father and grandfather alive. He absolutely loved his grandchildren and would basically do anything for them. They energized and revived him. He was a dedicated son and a caring brother and brother-in-law and friend. He and Diane often marveled at the amazing life they had lived and were grateful for ALL who crossed their path. They continued to cultivate deep friendships wherever they lived.

This past July, family, friends and neighbours came to the Stronks home at the lake to celebrate Henry’s 70th birthday. Henry was overwhelmed and moved by the many who came. The interesting thing is that his humbleness and understatedness resonates with so many. On October 16, 2026 we look forward to celebrating his life at:

The Guelph Estate & Convention Centre

340 Woodlawn Rd W Unit 26

Guelph, ON N1H 7K6

Visitation 10-11:30 a.m

Formal Program 11:30 a.m

Luncheon & Social 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Indspire (Indspire is a national Indigenous charity supporting First Nations, Inuit and Metis students through education, scholarships, bursaries, and resources) or to the Sunnybrook RAAM Clinic Network.