In Loving Memory of

Harry (Harm) Vriend

of Edmonton
Dec 24, 2020

On December 24, the Lord called home our dear Husband, Father and Opa at the age of 81. He will be cherished and lovingly remembered by his wife, Miep Vriend; his children, Richard, and Marlene; and his grandchildren, Kyle, Arik, and Ashlee. He leaves behind two sisters, Grace (Francis), Sherri (Stewart); plus many nieces and nephews here and back in Holland.

Harry grew up in Holland, working for his dad in the Garden Centre. When he came to Canada he continued with that interest, eventually having his own Landscaping, Maintenance and Snow Removal Company. He then branched out to having a Tree Nursery and eventually having his own Garden Centre. When it was time to slow down, he and his wife choose to create and sell Bonsai from their backyard. Even though he was busy with work, he also made time to serve God through the church as an Elder, Deacon, Catechism Leader, Greeter, Food Bank distributer and many more jobs. He would call the members of the church on their birthdays. He was a dedicated blood donor and brought his children along to encourage them. His family watched him grow as he was involved in toast masters for those years bettering himself as a public speaker. He showed us we are never too old to learn and improve ourselves.

His children got to watch his passion for gardening. They learned the tricks of the trade and taught them all about God’s earth. To this day they always hear ‘there is only one way to dig a hole’. In the winter he would often take them skating and tobogganing. He was not shy of the cold weather. He was always up for walking his dog, Bruno. He attended winter camping with both children and their classmates. Brrr!!

Harm was blessed with 3 grandchildren. Joking around and play fighting were their activities. Pull my finger was his favorite -_-

Harm very rarely had a serious moment. He always liked to joke around and say funny things. Taking pictures of him was tricky as he would pull a funny face at the last moment.

Dad you were always such a gentle person. We rarely seen you mad or angry even when Marlene hit the green truck with the riding lawn mower or Richard almost lit it on fire. You took on the world in such stride, positive and caring manner. You taught us to be better stewards of the world and never take anything for granted. You taught us that if there was one thing we could do; it is to be kind.

We love you for always and forever!

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Glenrose Foundation, 10230 111 Ave Edmonton, AB T5G 0B7.

COVID Restrictions have prevented us from Celebrating Harm’s Life with all the family and friends.