Obituary of Leendert Matthijs van Hardeveld

In remembrance of Lee (Leendert Matthijs) van Hardeveld. He was born on January 15, 1947, in Haarlem, Netherlands, and peacefully passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024. Lee, or Leen as he was known in the Netherlands, was the firstborn of Leendert and Jansje van Hardeveld. He was soon joined by his three brothers, Rob, Henk, and Alfred. As the oldest, he had the enviable distinction of having his own room.

Henk and Lee were lifelong best friends, they were two peas in a pod. They got into a lot of adventures over the years and had more than one run in with the authorities.

Lee met his soulmate, Hendrika “Rika” van Klompenberg, in 1969. After two years of courtship, they exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony in February 1971, marking the start of a lifelong partnership.

Lee's career path led him into the world of printing, where he excelled with passion and dedication. As his professional life flourished, so did his family. Jai van Hardeveld, their first child, arrived just one year and one day after their wedding, followed by the arrival of their daughter, Tamara van Hardeveld, in 1977.

In 1978, Lee and Rika embarked on a vacation to Canada to visit family. Enchanted by the vast landscapes and warm hospitality, Lee knew he wanted to make Canada his new home. They briefly returned to the Netherlands before deciding to immigrate to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1979, where they built a new life filled with adventures and cherished memories.

Throughout his career in the printing industry, Lee's talents took him to various cities, including Saskatoon, Regina, and Nova Scotia, where he left a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of working with him.

In addition to his professional endeavours and role as a husband, father, and Opa, Lee had an extraordinary passion for fixing anything. Whether it was a leaky faucet or a broken fence, Lee's skillful hands and keen problem-solving abilities ensured that no challenge was too great. Furthermore, Lee found solace and joy in his hobbies, cultivating diverse fish species in his beloved aquariums, with his favourite being the majestic discus. His dedication and love for his hobbies were truly admirable. Additionally, he relished every opportunity to immerse himself in the great outdoors, whether it was casting a line while fishing or embracing the serenity of a camping trip under the stars.

In 2006, Lee's greatest dream came true when he became an Opa, a role he cherished deeply. Ryler, his first grandchild, brought immeasurable joy and pride into his life. In 2010, Grayson followed, and in 2012, Isabella completed their trio of blessings. Ryler and Grayson both share their middle name, Leen, in honour of their beloved Opa.

Those who knew Lee, including his late wife, Rika; his children, Jai and Tamara; and his grandchildren, Ryler, Grayson, and Isabella, will remember his strong ties to his family. He leaves behind cherished memories.

Leendert Matthijs van Hardeveld will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all.