Henk Klein-Nibbelink
December 27, 1923 - September 1, 2013
Obituary for Hendrik "Henk" Klein-Nibbelink
Klein-Nibbelink, Hendrik Jan “Henk”, Hilden, passed away September 1, 2013 in the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born on December 27, 1923 in Bredevoort, The Netherlands. Henk was a much loved husband, father, and Opa. He was survived by his wife, Minnie; children, Trudy (Ivan Barkhouse), Helena (Frank Weyer), Bettina (Greg Baker), Yolanda (Paul Yeo); brothers, Gerrit Klein-Nibbelink, Jan Klein-Nibbelink (Lien) and sister, Gerda (Henk Hunink); 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by son, Gerald Henry Klein-Nibbelink; sisters, Lennie Hengeveld and Betty de Nooy. Visitation will be held from 7 - 9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3 with a memorial service on Wednesday September 4 at 2 p.m., Pastor Dan Brown officiating; both from the John Calvin Christian Reformed Church, 169 Glenwood Drive, Truro. Arrangements are under the direction of Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow Street, Truro. On-line condolences may be made at: www.ColchesterCommunity.com
I worked for Henk during two summers in 1966 and 1967 which I remember as very happy times during my unhappy teenage years. From Henk I experienced warmth and encouragement that I never felt from my own father. In 1967 I kept a Diary and I have added excerpts on this website. On July 11, 1967 I wrote,
I was up at 6 A.M. Hank is going to call me earlier this year. Last summer I slept in till breakfast time - about 8 A.M. This year , however, I am getting 25 per week where as last year I got only 15... Last summer here was the happiest period in my life and I am looking forward to a similar summer this year.
Nelson Mandela
July 18, 1918 - December 5, 2013
The end of apartheid in South Africa was an event that I did not anticipate; few people did. For some reason I was at home on February 11, 1990, the day that Nelson Mandela got out of prison. I remember watching his speech, live I think, and having some concerns. It seemed to me at the time that he had a strong socialist ideology and I was not confident of a good future for his country.
But as the years passed, my respect for him steadily grew. There have not been very many great leaders during my lifetime, but he surely was one. As I write this in 2021, no one comes to mind that I would rank higher.
Some quotes that seem wise and that inspire me:
No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
One of the most difficult things is not to change society — but to change yourself.
I never lose. I either win or learn.
A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.