(807) 221-3000
dcfh@drytel.net
249 Grand Trunk Ave, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3

Harry Van Ryswyk June 9, 1980 - June 13, 2022

Date of Funeral

June 25, 2022

It is with great sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Harry James Van Ryswyk.

Born on June 9th, 1980, son of Patricia and William Van Ryswyk of Dryden, ON. Leaving to mourn his loss is his brother John, sister-in-law Diana, nephew Cohen, niece Eliza Van Ryswyk of Grand Cayman Islands. Also mourning is Lacie Daniels, mother of daughter Ava and son Harrison Van Ryswyk of Lethbridge Alberta and Vicki Webb, mother of son Levi Van Ryswyk of Dryden ON. Numerous relatives stretching from Thunder Bay to Vancouver Island and also in the Netherlands.

Harry was a true outdoorsman; an avid fisherman with Musky fishing being his greatest passion. But his children came first, and he shared his passion with them whenever he could. Early in his adult life he loved downhill skiing in BC, eventually becoming an Industrial Electrician, moving back to Dryden to become an Electrical Supervisor at Domtar.

Harry has always been a well-loved person and has made friends everywhere he’s been. We all miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 1 p.m. at the Dryden Community Funeral Home with Pastor Velma Henderson officiating.

Interment will take place at a later date.

Condolences(13)

  1. REPLY
    Carolyn Wilson says

    Pat I am sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.🙏

  2. REPLY
    Manise says

    My deepest and most heartfelt condolences. This is truly heartbreaking. Harry was a sweetheart, and I struggle to understand how we could lose him so young. Wishing I could be there in person to show my love and support. xoxoxoxo

  3. REPLY
    Alan Wice says

    I’m so saddened to hear of Harry’s sudden exit from all of us who were his family and friends. I worked with Harry since he started in the mill upon returning to Dryden. He ended up being my Supervisor and I, his working foreman for the electrical crew. I retired on April 1 of this year. On many occasions, we would sit and have discussions about family, fishing, skiing and different adventures. On that level, please know that family was very important to him, and his young children need to know that. I consider Harry a friend and will miss him as well. I wish I could have got a call or a text that terrible day, maybe it might have helped him.
    I’m sure he’s fishing all the time now and watching over those that are here to remember him.
    Unfortunately, I cannot be at the service due to having to be out of town for medical reasons.
    Just remember, he is always with you in the little things around you that makes you remember. And to little Levi, you may only have pictures, videos and stories, but always know that your dad was a good man that was a friend to many.

    • REPLY
      Lacie Daniels says

      Hi Alan, just wanted to reply and let you know Harry spoke of you often! He said he learned a lot from you. Thanks for sharing these personal experiences of him, I am going to note the kind words in our kid’s memory books. Take care,

  4. REPLY
    Heather and Dave says

    Thoughts are with you Heather and Dave Arnold

  5. REPLY
    Marion and Ron Dennis says

    It is with heartfelt sadness we hear the news of Harry’s passing. We remember him as a young boy playing with Michael and his brother at our house and your camp on Thaddeus Lake. I remember the day he was born and bouncing him on my lap. We understand Harry’s passing must be breaking your hearts and leaving a void hard to fill. Our hope is you will see him always in the eyes of his children and especially when catching “the big one”. We always enjoyed following his fishing adventures on Facebook and always commented on what a wonderful life he was living challenging the waters for another great catch. Please accept our condolences and know we are there for you if you need us… God Bless and may he Rest In Peace.

  6. REPLY
    Frank McLellan says

    Our condolences on the loss of your son .

  7. REPLY
    Vicki Daniels says

    My heart goes out to you. I didn’t know Harry very well, but Ava and Harrison are my very special kidlets. I shall always be there for them.
    “Auntie Vicki”

  8. REPLY
    Ley and Jason Sachowski says

    Sending our condolences on the passing of Harry! Jason and I both have found memories growing up throughout public and high school with Harry.
    Sending you all much love and support.

  9. REPLY
    Aaron, Ildi, Makeda and Joon says

    Our deepest condolences to you and the family. Big hugs and lots of love.

  10. REPLY
    Terry Findlay and family says

    I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest condolences to Bill and Patti and their family and extended families.

  11. REPLY
    Bernadette Bugiera says

    I have thought of the loss of Harry often over the past several weeks, and I wish to extend my Very Sincere Condolences on the great loss you are all suffering! I loved Harry very much; I knew him as a kind, sensitive, loving and sincere person. He and I shared a mutual love of Riley, whom he brought into my life; he was “there for me” when Riley’s life ended. I sincerely wish I could have “been there” for him, at his end, and helped in some way. To his parents, partners and beloved children; I know how very much he loved you all; I treasured his posted photos of his Wonderful fishing adventures on Facebook. I had the distinct privilege of personally meeting Ava and Harrison; I hope you will always know that Harry loved you dearly! I consider myself blessed to have met Harry on my life’s journey!

  12. REPLY
    Angie Berrey says

    I am so sorry to hear this, Harry seemed so excited about his new property that he purchased from me, and looking so forward to his kids coming out to see it and visit him, last I spoke to him. He seemed like such a nice man, and I am sure he will be missed by anyone that had the pleasure to me or know him.

Leave a Condolence

Donations may be made to a Charity of Choice through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3