March 11, 1931 - February 24, 2021

Henry Olthuis died today just shy of what would have been his 90th birthday next month.

Born in Losser, Holland in 1931, Henry was the first-born son of a local painter and paint and wallpaper proprietor.

When a young man, his gift as an organist first led him to Grote Kerk, The Great Church in Enschede, Netherlands, where he was appointed assistant organist.

For it was then, he was hired as the church organist and leader of the senior choir at Armour Heights Presbyterian Church, also in North York. Armour Heights just happened to be our family church, and both my mother and I were choir members. While he later moved to Cliffcrest United Church in 1970, he would return to Armour Heights in 1979 where he spent the next 11 years.

Coming back just one final time in 1992, as guest organist for my daughter Kim’s marriage to Richard. In the intervening years, my mother Margaret, who had been widowed several years before, and Henry married.

And even though she was several years his senior, they were happily wed for 33 years before her passing in 2015.

For he truly was one of the kindest, amiable, and most affable human beings ever to grace this earth.

A devoutly religious man, his devotion to my mother was unequivocal. And his graciousness and affection towards my own family, will be long remembered.

Henry is predeceased by his wife Margaret (Thexton) Crockatt, and his brother Dirk Jan Olthuis, sister-in law Alie Olthuis-Vriesema and brothers-in law Johan Verbeek and Abel Jan Hulzinga, all residents of Holland.

He is survived by his beloved sisters, Dini Verbeek-Olthuis and Nelly Hulzinga-Olthuis, and their families with whom he shared fond memories over many-a-video call to Holland.

To Dr. Masgoret and staff at Lakeside Long Term Care Home in Parkdale, a heartfelt thank you for the care, compassion and understanding you showed Henry these past few years.

Because of Covid-19 restrictions, a private Graveside Service will be held.

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise”. Luke 23: