INGENKAMP, Herbert Ingenkamp

With heavy hearts, full of gratitude, we announce the passing of our dear Pap, Opa, and Great Opa Herbert Hendricus Ingenkamp, after 99 vibrant years of life. November 29, 1926 – November 25, 2025. Born in the Netherlands in 1926 to humble beginnings, and coming of age during WWII, Herbert was an eternal optimist with an indomitable spirit and impish sense of humour. Dreaming of a future full of opportunity, Herbert joined the Dutch Navy in 1946, sailing around the world before emigrating to Canada in 1953. Landing in Winnipeg with $3.50 and unable to speak English, he took a job in the Polio hospital where he worked for three years tending to patients and learning the language. He continued the chase for opportunity to Vancouver, where he met the love of his life Jeanette, and ultimately relocated to Windsor where he found his passion as a sewing machine mechanic with General Motors, retiring after 28 years of service. A lifelong learner with an appetite for adventure and an insatiable zest for life, Herbert built the life he dreamed of – a home of his own, a beautiful family, a fulfilling career, and a garage full of mechanics to tinker and fix. When he wasn’t working or in the shop, he spent his days roller skating, ice skating and rollerblading and could often be spotted doing tricks on the Ganatchio Trail well into his 80’s, where the local kids nicknamed him “Skaterdude.” Herbert was a man of simple pleasures, who lived for his time with his family, his dogs and his “bestie” Karen. He loved deeply, forgave freely and embodied generosity of spirit and substance. He knew himself to be rich in life and never missed an opportunity to make someone smile, offering them his famous “three secrets to live to be 100.” Herbert lived every moment of his 99 years to the fullest, never losing his excitement for the next adventure – be it a walk with his bestie and her dog, a game of chess with Bob, a fried fish dinner with the family, deep chats with Ingrid, errands with his boys, or a coffee date with Shelbie. Pre-deceased by his wife of 50 years Jeanette Ingenkamp (nee Bijtelaar), and his daughter Marie Louise Mendoza (nee Ingenkamp), survived by Roderick Mendoza. A devoted Pap, Opa, and Great Opa, Herbert will be greatly missed by his family including his daughter Ingrid Labute (nee Ingenkamp), son-in-law Robert Labute, son Philip Ingenkamp, son Timothy Ingenkamp, granddaughter Shelbie Vermette-Grant, grandson-in-law Ryan Grant, and great grandson Hollace Vermette-Grant. A celebration of life will be held at Windsor Chapel, 11677 Tecumseh Rd East, on Herbert’s 99th birthday, Saturday November 29th, 2025, from 3-6pm.