September 21, 1937 – January 29, 2025
Leo Bergen-Henegouwen passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the age of 87 years.
He immigrated to Canada on March 13, 1952, with his parents and siblings, settling in Picture Butte, AB. It was there that he also met the love of his life, Ann, four years later when she too arrived from the Netherlands.
Leo and Ann married on November 14, 1959, and embarked on a love story that spanned almost 55 years, until Ann’s passing in 2014.
Leo is survived by his children, Marg (Jim) Semple and Arnie Bergen-Henegouwen (Kiki); as well as “adopted” children Char and Bob Fisher. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelsey Wemp, Katie Semple, Connor (Katy) Semple, A.J. Fisher (Colter), and Dakota Fisher; great-grandchildren, Ryker and Billie Wemp, Clara and Annabel Shier, Theo and Nora Semple, and Ellie Fisher; his four brothers, two sisters, and their spouses; and Ann’s eight siblings and their families. Uncle Leo has been described as “one of my favourites” by his many nieces and nephews, and his mischievous sense of humour will be dearly missed.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Ann, parents, Arnold and Joanne Bergen-Henegouwen; brother Len (Ann) Bergen, and daughter Susan.
Leo had a successful career as a long-haul truck driver for many years, where he was known to his fellow truckers by his CB handle, the Cowtown Dutchman. After selling his semi, Leo continued working in the trucking industry as a driver manager with Mullen Trucking, a position he was very proud of. Leo loved the open road and after retiring from Mullen Trucking, he continued to drive semis until he was 81, hauling potato chips to Vancouver, BC, for Frito Lay.
He was also a talented musician and taught himself to play the accordion at a young age. He loved entertaining, and his services were in high demand for many years. He could always be counted on to play for weddings, anniversary celebrations, and block parties, packing the dance floor with his polkas and waltzes. “Mr. Accordion” continued to volunteer his services at seniors’ facilities until he was no longer able to play.
Prior to Ann’s passing, Leo and Ann spent many happy winters in Apache Junction, AZ, where they developed cherished friendships.
Leo’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff at Big Hill Lodge in Cochrane, AB, where Leo resided for two and a half years before requiring long-term care.
A Celebration of Leo’s Life will be held in Lethbridge at a later date.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Big Hill Lodge, in care of the Rocky View Foundation, 103-58 Gateway Drive N.E., Airdrie, AB T4B 0J6, Telephone: (403) 945-9724, www.rockyviewfoundation.org/donations.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Leo’s family at www.MHFH.com.
In living memory of Leo Bergen-Henegouwen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.
