In Loving Memory of

Wilhemus Abbenhuis

of Edmonton
Mar 4, 2022

It is with sadness and love that we announce the passing of Willie Abbenhuis on March 4th 2022 at the age of 92 years. just 4 days shy of his 93rd birthday. Willie's memory will be cherished by his children, Will (Annette), Robert, Yvonne, Joanne (Terry). His grandchildren Brian (Crystal), Justin (Avalon), Leighanne (Andrew), Angie (Dave), Katelyn, and Austin. His four great grandchildren, Aubree, Ryker, Parker and Renly. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years Betsie in 2018. Willie immigrated to Canada in 1954, Betsie followed him a year later and shortly after her arrival in Edmonton, they married on May 14th 1955. They were blessed with twin boys, William and Robert a year later, followed by two beautiful daughters Yvonne and Joanne. In addition to raising four children of their own, they opened their home to many children. They all called him Opa as he was very much a father, grandfather to them. Willie worked as a mechanical designer, designing Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems for many different types of building in his career, from schools to labs to Safeway stores. He worked at Vinto Engineering for most of his career and then moved on to working for the County of Stony Plain as a Maintenance Inspector. He retired at the age of 67. Willie and Betsie were very passionate about camping and travelled to many places in Canada and the US using many types of RV's, starting with a tent and ending with a motorhome. Many great memories were formed on these trips with the children and grandchildren. Willie loved to tinker around in the garage or in his workshop in the basement. He enjoyed making yard decorations and fixing things around the house. He was great at puzzles, loved to read and enjoyed classical music. After Betsie passed away in 2018, Willie continued to live in the home that he and Betsie had lived in since 1961. He often talked of how much he missed her! She was the love of his life! All us children pitched in as much as we could to help and it's thanks to Yvonne and Pat who lived with him that he managed to stay home until January 2022.