Henry 'Hank' John Voorhees, 88
Henry “Hank” John Voorhees, 88, died on June 24, 2017, in Kalispell.
Hank was born on April 23, 1929, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to parents Catherine and Milo Voorhees.
He earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in forestry and wood technology at Michigan State University. Hank was a lumber sales executive for over 35 years.
He is remembered as a proud Dutchman who was self-reliant, independent minded and a hard-working person. Hank was the first of his family to go to college, which he funded by shoveling coal on an ore boat on the Great Lakes, along with other jobs. He loved athletic competition, especially boxing and football where he enjoyed success in both endeavors. Hank was a Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion in Grand Rapids and a tackler on the Michigan State University football team. He balanced his competitive side with a great appreciation for sailing on large lakes and oceans and hiking in forests for solitude and reflection.
As a father and a husband, he was single-minded in purpose of support. Education was stressed as he believed it was paramount to success. All his children attended college and most have advanced degrees. He was notably proud of this, coming from a hardscrabble upbringing. His Christian faith and practice was an integral part of his life; praying before and after meals, attending church “religiously” and expressing thankfulness for life in both the good and the bad times. While born into the Dutch Reformed Church, he joined the Lutherans here in Kalispell.
Hank is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Pauline; his sons Dirk (Lissa), Steve and Henry (Briony); his daughter Susan; and his grandchildren Jack, Bill, Kathleen, Marie and Genevieve.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Nick.
A celebration of Hank’s life will be scheduled for later this summer at The Church at Creston with a reception to follow at the church. All will be welcome to attend and celebrate Hank’s life.
The final verse of his favorite Bible passage, Psalm 23, sums up his life; “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Hank’s family.