It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Henry Geert Pal, at the age of 83 years, after many medical complications. Henry passed away on May 8, 2020 at his residence of 40 years in Calgary. He was a great husband, daddy and grandfather…. he fought a good fight but the suffering was proven to be too much.
Henry was born July 21, 1936 in Dratchen Friesland, The Netherlands. He immigrated to Canada at Pier 21 in Halifax on April 25, 1953 with his parents and two brothers. Henry went to trades school in Toronto to obtain his Certificate in Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. He took great pride in every job he did. You can find his “works of art" all over Canada and abroad including many one of kind fireplaces he would do on the weekends.
Out “trolling for fish” with friends in 1961 along the St Lawrence River in Brockville, Ontario, Henry “hooked” himself a feisty one, his wife of 56 years Anne Heuvel. Henry and Anne never missed a chance to dance at a party. Everyone was always impressed and would stop to watch the two dance in sync together on the dance floor. They would marry in Brinston, Ontario on August 24, 1963. He built their first house in Maitland, Ontario, from the ground up with the help of his father. They had two children, Richard Henry in 1966 and Linda Anne in 1969. Henry was a very hard-working husband/father often travelling away from home to find work, and going to Fort McMurray for 3 years when he said enough of the long-distance marriage and moved to Calgary in 1980 where they still reside.
In the winter months you could find him with a broom in hand at the curling rink. He loved the game and hanging out with his team having a non-alcoholic beverage afterwards. During the summer months he would get up early on the weekends and hit the garage sales to find that must have cheap deal!! Henry also loved planting his beans in the garden and picking his raspberries.
Henry and Anne also enjoyed traveling the world together to fulfill their passion of biking, hiking, cross country skiing and love for being in the mountains. Among their travels, they always made sure to be home for the greatest outdoor show on earth. Henry loved his free Stampede breakfasts. Enjoying the exciting atmosphere he always found someone to tell his life stories too while tapping his foot to the country music over the duration of the stampede. Sometimes staying so long that they offered him the leftover syrups to take home.
He was predeceased by his father, Martin Pal; his mother Jane Pal; and his older brother Theo Pal. Henry leaves behind Anne Pal, his wife of 56 years; his brother Jack Pal; his son Richard Pal (Kimberley Colbert); his daughter Linda Clowes (Brad); and his pride and joys, his grandkids, Spencer Pal (Robyn), Dallin Colbert, Brandon Clowes, Brodie Clowes (Mackenzie), Brae Clowes; as well as Spencer Pal’s mom Anita Pal. Last but not least, we can’t forget his best friend Buddy, who wouldn’t leave his side right until the very end. Henry is reunited with his other fur babies Rusty, Gumby, Sandy and Gizmo. He will be terribly missed by all who loved him.
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