Obituary of AREND BAKEMA

AREND (HARRY) BAKEMA

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, brother, brother in law, uncle and cousin on January 17, 2019.

He will be missed by his loving wife Roseanna of 38 years, his sisters Cathy (Wayne) Finlay and family ,  Johanna (Charlie) Bynski and family.   He will also be missed by his extended family, Sister in law Gina (Renato) Calesso and family and family in Holland.

He was predeceased by his parents Tryntje and Arend Bakema, his sister Hendrikje and brother Albert.

Harry was born in Groningen, Netherlands on June 15, 1952 and immigrated to Canada in Oct. 1954.

Harry proudly worked with Winnipeg Police Service  for 32 years, starting July 12, 1971 until his retirement in March 22, 2003.

Harry was an avid athlete.  In high school at Transcona Collegiate he was a member of the successful track and field team and set many records at various distances.  He later also coached a track team.  In his adult years  he skied and with the Police department he played hockey and baseball also managed and bowled with the Police and Pal bowling league. He ran in relay races with the Winnipeg Police Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Harry loved to travel and made many trips to his favorite place Hawaii,  also went  on cruises and during his retirement he went to Netherlands, Greece, New York, Bahamas and Cape Cod.

Harry had a green thumb and loved gardening.  His yard was immaculate with a sea of flowers.

During all of his life Harry was a people person always honest, good, kind,  caring and giving to others with a smile on his face, as with his family,  as a track team member, as a coach, as a police officer and mentor,  as a restaurant owner and as a good neighbour and friend.

Harry lived life by his big heart.

In memory of Harry’s kind and giving nature do something kind and good for someone else.

Funeral will be held on Thursday January 31, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel on 1442 Main Street.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to Alzheimer Society or  Heart and Stroke foundation of Manitoba.