“Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always.”
Henry (Hendrijk) Rinsma went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Born on September 21, 1929, in Franeker, The Netherlands, Henry immigrated to Canada in 1951 with his fiancée Henny and family, settling in Fort William.
He married Henny on July 6, 1952. Shortly after, he spent over a year recovering from a lung operation at the TB Sanitorium. Henry worked as the body shop manager at Lakehead Motors for nearly 40 years and was known for his artistic van and truck designs. Alongside this, he and Henny ran Rinsma’s Greenhouses from their home, sharing his passion for plants. In later years, Henry found joy in woodworking, creating toys and household items sent around the world.
After retiring, Henry and Henny traveled extensively, spending winters in Florida. He was a lifelong member of the Christian Reformed Church. After Henny passed in 2016, Henry’s passion for woodworking faded, but his love for family and faith endured.
Henry is predeceased by his wife Henny, parents William and Anna, stepmother Sara, and siblings Joseph, Jack, Bernie, John, and Hessie. He is survived by his children Anna (Ken) Paulusma, Bill (Jenny), and Susan (Mike) Otto; grandchildren Carey and Chris Paulusma, Greg (Missy), Michael (Elizabeth), Rachel Rinsma, Jenny (Willie), and Tracey Otto; and great-grandchildren Nora, Arie, Jericho, Juno, and Jaxon. Also survived by his brother Klaas (Evelyn), sister Gerdie Postma, sister-in-law Donna Rinsma, and many nieces and nephews in Canada and The Netherlands.
A memorial service will be held at Hope Christian Reformed Church (1315 Crawford Avenue) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., officiated by Pastor Joel Brigham. The service will be livestreamed at youtube.com/live/ZgIPrp8IiIc. A private interment will take place beforehand.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Christian Reformed Church (gym fund) or a charity of your choice. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Jasper Place, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and St. Joseph’s Hospice.
Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Blake Funeral Chapel Limited.
