The family of Henry Hageman wishes to announce his retirement as organist after 55 years of church service.
Henry took organ lessons as a young boy in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and was taught by the organist, Haite van der Schaaf.
He became official organist of a very old, medieval church in Amsterdam-West, on May 4, 1960. A few months later he obtained the church organist diploma.
Henry continued playing the organ in every congregation he was a member of: Amsterdam-West, Amsterdam-North; then after immigration to Canada, Winnipeg-Transcona, Toronto-Scarborough and later here in New Westminster Christian Reformed Church and the Bible Presbyterian Church in Port Coquitlam. He was instrumental in securing a fabulous organ by one of his favorite organ builders, Karl Wilhelm, in the Scarborough church.
Henry was an active member of the RCCO, often performed in recitals and faithfully attended them. He continued to take lessons even into his 70s. He inspired many, including his own children, with the love of early music. His inspiration was Bach; and he, like him, desired above all to glorify his Creator.
I am the brother in law of Henk. At the beginning of his career I was also in the churches in the Netherlands and I like the play of him.
Thanks to God and i ask Him to bless Henk.
Jaap