Death
Funeral
Heinrich “Hank” Gruter passed away peacefully in his 94th year in his Dunnville home surrounded by his loving family and amazing caregivers, on Friday, November 4th, 2022.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Willy Gruter in 2021. Hank was also predeceased by his parents Philippe and Frida Gruter and his siblings George Gruter, Reit de Mol, Ted Gruter and William Gruter.
Hank will be dearly missed by his children, Yvonne (Dennis), Tony and Michelle (Michael). He will be forever cherished by grandchildren Andrew (Savanaugh), Shirlene (David), Samantha, Matthew, Marcus, Tristan and by his great grandchildren Nevik, Nathon and Benjamin. He will also be sincerely missed by his siblings Hella Gruter and Harry Gruter.
Hank was born in the Netherlands on June 6, 1928. In the summer of 1950 while working on the beach, a beautiful blonde hair blue eyed young lady caught his attention. This was the beginning of a forever love story that spanned for more than seven decades. June 8, 1960 Hank and his beautiful bride Willy were married and immediately made their way to Canada and settled in Dunnville where they started a hair salon.
Although Hank and Willy made a living hairdressing, Hank’s true passion was carpentry. He built their first home on the Bird Road and then later bought a fixer upper on the corner of Lock and Cedar that he restored with his own two hands. He went on to help his three children build their homes, as well. Hank’s life revolved around his love for his family and his desire to build and restore homes.
At age 86, Hank retired and spent his remaining years with Willy by his side. They both travelled frequently with family to their homeland and south during the winter months. Hank is now again at peace and with the love of his life Willy.
We wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to his dedicated providers that played a huge role in caring and loving our father during the later part of his life. Jordan Burman, Tanya Langraap, Steeve Matheus and Katie Fair we will forever be thankful for all the love and kindness you gave our father. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
A private family service will be held at the Woodlawn Cemetery, in Dunnville. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Society of Alzheimer
https://link.zixcentral.com/u/720523bc/qtRuKKJn7RGXRjbiR15mZw?u=https%3A%2F%2Falzheimer.ca would be much appreciated by the family. Online condoles jwhartfuneralhome.com
Sending my condolences to Hanks family.
Willy, I remember fondly as my hairdresser for many years and Hank was always the perfect gentleman.
So very sorry for your loss.
Condolences to all
I grew up with hank he was a good friend
Sad to see him go but it was his time
To sleep
My my sincere condolences in the loss of your Father.
Hank and Willy were a very a very special couple.
🙏🏿🙏🏿
I knew Willy and Hank for many years, especially Willy through Christian Womens Club. A beautiful couple and our condolences to all the family with Hank now passing away and being reunited with his wife Willy. May God’s comfort surround you all.
From Peter and Dorothy Deklerk
Heel veel sterkte met het verlies van je lieve zorgzame paps en van ons een lieve zwager. Die nu weer samen is voor eeuwig met onze lieve zus Willy.
Gecondoleerd met het verlies van jullie lieve vader. Ik zie hem nu weer heerlijk samen met jullie lieve moeder aan het neerkijken op hun lieve kinderen en kleinkinderen en achterkleinkinderen. Veel liefs Rinus, Alexandra & Elin
Our sincere condolences to the Gruter family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Condolences to all the Gruter family!!Lee worked many years ago for Willie.and Hank!!Hank.was a real master at whatever he put his hands to!!Lee,Ches.and Carrie Corbett
Condolences to all of you. Hank was a very nice man and I have good memories of hanging at the gas bar.
Sherry (King) Gifford
Lieve familie, Wat triest dat jullie vader op 94 jarige leeftijd is overleden ! Hij was de grote liefde van onze zus Wil en wij hebben ze vele malen in Holland meegemaakt. . De laatste keer in Holland zijn wij naar strandtent “de Gouden Bol”, waar hij de oprichter van was, op het strand van Wassenaar gegaan en hebben daar mooie herinneringen opgehaald. Vier jaar geleden zijn wij op Henk z’n 90e verjaardag naar Canada gekomen
Wij wensen jullie sterkte om dit grote verdriet te dragen ! LIEFS Carla en Niek Stallinga – van der Bol
My deepest sympathies.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Both your parents were great, loving, and most of all friends to all. The Battle girls including my late Mother June Battle thought the world of your parents. Thinking of all of you at this time
Hank saved my sisters life when they owned the gas station. Both him and Willy were wonderful people. My condolences to the family.
To both Hank and Willy I would like to thank you for being an inspiration to me when I was a teen. You both helped me get back on my feet when I needed it most. Forever grateful!!
Sincerely
Steve