Whitehorse Daily Star

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VANDENBERG, Henry (Hank)

June 22, 1958 – July 5, 2022

Henry Vandenberg, of Whitehorse, Yukon, passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at the age of 64 years. Hank was born in Maple Ridge, BC, on June 22, 1958. He moved to Whitehorse, Yukon in 1980.

Hank accomplished much through his life. He was particularly proud of watching his daughter Charlene become a labour and delivery nurse and then mother to his granddaughters Madelyn and Lucy. Madelyn and Lucy loved spending time with their Grandpa Hank and he visited them at every opportunity. Hank’s skill as a meat cutter was highly sought after in his community and he took great pride in his trade.

Hank had many close and colourful friends and he loved spending time with them fishing, camping, golfing, travelling and the occasional pint!

Hank was a helper and he would give you the shirt off his back. Or a delicious rib roast. He will be most remembered for his boisterous laugh, quick smile, no-nonsense attitude, unfailing generosity and kind heart.

Henry is survived by his daughter Charlene, son-in-law Riley and his granddaughters Madelyn and Lucy. Henry is also survived by his brother Eugene Vandenberg as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Comments (4)

Mary Shepherd on Jul 28, 2022 at 7:59 pm

I am so sorry to hear the news of Hank passing. We had many years of friendship. I met Hank when he
first came to the Yukon. So many stories. Most importantly he was a true and honest friend to me. I stopped in a few years ago at Super A just to say hello, and he gave me the biggest hug, as if no time had passed! Hank the Shank, as a few of us fondly called him will always live in my heart.
My deepest condolences to all.

Lyle guest on Jul 26, 2022 at 5:55 am

I worked with Hank for 11 year at Porter Creek Super A. He was my mentor and he will be missed. My condolences to the family.

Allen Jarvis on Jul 24, 2022 at 9:29 pm

Haven't seen Hank in 40 yrs, but never ever forgot his kindness and jokes. He shines very bright in my memories of those times. Kopper King for a few games of pool, then as I gave him a ride home down second Ave in 40 below in a Corvette and ending up going into a double spin trying to avoid another driver in front of us that hit his brakes suddenly to make a left turn. We came to a stop with the rear wheels just touching the curb on our side of the road. Corvette was fine. Hank was very relieved I steered us out of that fiasco, me too.
I bet I have told this story at least 100 times. I think it's partly due to the look on his face when we came to a stop. Whewww! that was close. Many people all over the world have heard about our wonderful shenanigans. I'm sorry to have lost track of him for so many years. Thank you my friend for being an unforgettable and endearing part of my life. RIP Hank

Sadnow on Jul 20, 2022 at 1:23 pm

This is sad news indeed. I met Hank in 1980 - way back in our younger days. Though I hadn't seen much of him in the last 30 years, other than occasionally at his meat counter, since the very first day I met him, he always took the time to say hello, to ask about me and my life, to reminisce about the good old days. Hank was truly a nice guy. RIP, Good Buddy!
Heartfelt condolences to his family.

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