David John Hensman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of David John Hensman, which happened on Saturday July 11th, 2026, at the age of 63. Surrounded in love by his family and friends, he left this world “quietly,” though that might come as a surprise to you if you knew Dave.

Dave was born on August 19th, 1962, in Goose Bay, Labrador. He was the eldest of three sons to the late Trevor and Shirley Hensman, brother of James and his late youngest brother, Paul. Dave was proud of his heritage coming from both New Zealand and Newfoundland. He often planned to return to both places, and, knowing Dave, would have done everything in his power to be in those two places at the same time.

Life was full of adventure. With an insatiable drive for others to know Jesus, and a wild amount of optimism, Dave had endless ideas, plans, and dreams, many of which were accomplished. He had a “the sky’s the limit” or, as Dave would call it, “a big sky” mentality. These endeavours naturally resulted in a host of friendships, connections, and partnerships throughout his 63 years.

For most of us, the time we had together feels too short. We ache with grief of “what could have been,” especially for those closest to him—his wife, Dee, daughters and sons-in-law, Becky, Joel, Brittney, and Isaac, and the seven grandkids, fondly known to Dave as “the GK’s.” With such loss, we are starkly reminded that death was never part of the plan. Through our grief we say, “Come Lord Jesus, make all things new, here on earth and in our hearts too.”

Memorial services will be held in Stanwood, Washington, and Mission, B.C.

For Redemption Hill and friends in the USA

Date: August 1st at 1:00 pm

Location: Lincoln Hills Center 7430 276th NW St., Stanwood, Washington, USA

Following will be a fellowship reception across the street at the

Ministry center (7507 276th St Stanwood, WA)

For family and friends in Canada

Date: August 15th at 2:00 pm

Location: North Valley Baptist Church, 32715 Cherry Avenue, Mission, B.C

In place of flowers, donations can be made to your local community church or to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital for the exceptional care Dave received there.