Obituary of Hendrik Roke

A resident of St Thomas, Hendrik Roke  passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at the age of 94.

Born in Oldebroek, The Netherlands, Hendrik Roke was the son of Jan and Dirkje (nee Vandestouwe) Roke. 

Beloved husband to the late Cornelia (nee Portengen).

Survived by his children, John (Jody) of Brockville, Catherine Roke of Windsor, Dorothy Roke of Orangeville, Maggie (Donald) Vandersluis of Chatham, Alice Kovach (Rick) of Michigan, Jeffery of Irquois, Christine Slagter (Albert) of Hamilton, Marian Berry (Jack) of Nelson, BC, Henry (Juliana) of London, Yvonne Steinman (Rick) of Kitchener, Gerald (Linda) of London & Richard (Penny) of St. Thomas. 

Opa to 27 grandchildren & numerous great-grandchildren.

Survived by his three sisters, Hennie of BC, Mina & Jannie, both of Holland. 

Predeceased by his grandson, Matthew, his three brothers & two sisters. 

Henry Roke immigrated from Holland in 1950 with his wife and two children, becoming a Canadian citizen. He pursued a life of farming in Pembroke, Florence and Iroquois, Ontario. He deeply loved his wife, children, and grandchildren, and provided a great example of living a life of faithfulness in his savior. He enjoyed flowers and gardening but was also an avid reader. He had many fine friends and enjoyed conversation. He spent his last few years in the home of Rick & Penny Roke of Talbotville. 

Family to receive friends on Friday, August 25, 2017 at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.  & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday at Eben-Ezer Canadian Reformed Church, 483 McNaughton Avenue East, Chatham at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. 

Donations made in memory of Hendrik may be made to the Eben-Ezer Canadian Reformed Church. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040