HUIZINGA, FRANS HENDRIK
February 25, 1937 - December 31, 2020
My Love, and our Papa and Opa has departed this world on December 31, 2020 in Unionville, ON, longing and struggling to remain with the family he loved. Dearly loved husband of Joyce (Barrick), proud Papa and Opa of Erik (Mairi) and son, Cole; Sylvia and daughters Maya and Anika; and Vanessa (Gordon Mcgill) and daughters Eowyn and Oia. Dear brother of the late Hans (Yvonne), the late Arie (Mia) and Sary Botje (late Paul). Also survived by several nieces and a nephew in the Netherlands. Frans grew up in Bussum, a small town in the Netherlands, idyllic for a close family of three boys and one girl. In the midst of WW II, Frans and brother Arie were sent to a TB sanatorium many miles from home to recover with bedrest and fresh air treatment. The liberation of Holland by Canadians in 1945 resulted in 8-year-old Frans along with all the hospital children being treated like royalty riding on Bren carriers and Jeeps. This exciting meeting with the Canadian Forces sparked Frans' lifelong interest in all things military, in particular, radios. His electrical engineering degree led him to employment with Philips and then IBM in Amsterdam. Immigrating to Canada with his family in 1962, Frans continued with IBM. His work territory was all of North America including the Caribbean and he relished every trip to a computer room as a specialist or teacher. Even though Frans enjoyed every shift challenge at the company, he was happy to take advantage of "55 and out". So began Frans' second career as property owner and manager. Frans was always a traveller and in 1978 he found his bride-to-be on a beach in the Bahamas. Joyce and Frans began exploring the world by trains, planes, buses and Windjammers, often accompanied by family or friends. Fascination with radio made ham radio a natural fit. Nortown in Toronto was Frans' home club where in 1993 he became VE3 VNC. Field day had him working CW long into the night. Meanwhile, Frans trained as a private pilot. His Piper Cherokee became the preferred commute to Niagara. Grounding all was Frans' family. His love of the arts gave him the opportunity to provide and accompany them to music lessons, the TSO and opera. His generosity and wisdom were willingly showered on inquisitive minds. Forever optimistic, in sickness and in health, Frans' only reply to "How are you?" remained "Never better!" Frans was the stranger who would help, the friend you could count on, the wise and gentle father every child wished for. Fransie, love of my life, now you are home. A celebration of Frans' life will be held at a later date. If desired, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or Sunnybrook Hospital.