Good Bye Uncle Henry
The world lost a very good man this morning. Henry van der Voort was my husband Yves’ uncle. Yves often referred to Uncle Henry as “My second dad”. I never knew Yves dad, so in the beginning of our relationship I often said “your dad called” and quickly caught myself saying “I mean, Uncle Henry called”.
Yves and Uncle Henry were very close… so very close. I believe Uncle Henry helped shape Yves into the man he is today. So I love Uncle Henry and thank him for his unending positive influence on the man I married.
Uncle Henry died peacefully early this morning surrounded by his two daughters and Yves. It was a very moving passing of a very special man. He lived a very full life and turned 92 this past December. He was a gem, a rare find in this day and age. In a world where marriages have a 50% success rate, he is survived by his wife Rolande who he has been married to for 62 years. His two sons and one of his daughters have been married for over 20 and 30 years. Uncle Henry was an example of kindness, generosity, warmth, faith and love. He showed affection to “My Rolande” even as she suffered from Alzheimer’s.
Uncle Henry had very special friends, and one of his closest friends was his sister Thérese. I never met her, Yves mother, either. I loved to learn more about her through stories from Uncle Henry. He always had a sparkle in his eye when he talked of his sister. Then again, he was a charming man and he almost always had that sparkle in his eye.
I often told Uncle Henry that if I had a fraction of his wisdom, I would be very wise indeed. I can‘t remember his exact words, but his message to me was ‘it’s all about love’.
I am glad I got to see him last night, kiss him and tell him thank you. He has opened his family to me which I am a part of now. He has enriched my life. Thank you Uncle Henry…Au revoir.