Hin Tosh

July 5, 2024

November 1942 - May 2024 ~ Curious, creative, whimsical, clever.

Following a short illness, Hin Tosh lost her battle to live forever when death slid in suddenly and mercifully. Despite the challenges of the illness, Hin retained her uniquely irreverent sense of humour, keeping everyone chuckling and on their toes.

Born as Hendrikje Teunissen in Friesland during WWII, Hin's family of nine immigrated to Canada after the Netherlands' liberation and war's end. She fondly remembered the steamer ship voyage as a "great adventure".

The family (father Rinze, mother Goitske, and siblings Jenne, Harmen, Betty, Mina, Jane, and Anna) settled in the Fraser Valley becoming proud Canadian farmers, and Hin carried that farm-girl spirit throughout her life.

Hin married and, despite her love of sunshine, moved to Kitimat where she raised two daughters, instilling in them a love of nature, road-trips, reading, PBS and Dutch baking. She also worked as a proud Letter Carrier for Canada Post. In the 1980s, seeking less rain and snow, Hin transferred with Canada Post to Chilliwack, fulfilling her dream of buying her forever home and creating a beautiful garden.

A lover of art, cats, books, music, gardening, technology, and witty British comedies and mysteries, Hin left a legacy of vibrant digital paintings, retiring early to become an artist with an online gallery.

She leaves behind three cats (whose names remain a mystery), two daughters (Delaney and Rulen), a granddaughter (Amelia), two sons-in-law (Robert and James), and two sisters (Jane and Anna). We will all miss Hin's whimsical spirit.

We are very grateful for the professionalism of several nurses and care aides at CGH, namely Denise, Emily, and Anne, and for the compassionate staff at Eden Care Centre who added dignity to our mother's final days. It made all the difference. Special thanks go to friends, old and new, who stepped up to carry us through this difficult time.

Hin's Celebration of Life will be on July 13th at 2:00pm at the Charis Camp & Conference Centre Chalet. In honour of Hin's memory, donations can be made to Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven: https://chilliwacksafehaven.com/