It is with unspeakable sadness that we announce the passing of Curt Hesselink on May 20, 2022, in his 42nd year.

Curt leaves behind his parents, Peter and Jane Hesselink. He was the middle brother of Jeff (Eliza) and Brad (Laura). He will be missed terribly by nephews and nieces: Sahara, Izik, Nigel, Oliver, Blaise, Asher, and Dorothy. A large extended family and many friends also share this loss.

Curt lived for his son Charlie, and the two of them were the epitome of boyhood adventure. They could often be found in the wonderous outdoors: hiking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, dabbling with gourmet campfire fare like roasting grubs and appreciating the awe of a good animal skeleton. Charlie often joined Curt in the work of his landscaping business, and often Charlie’s cat ‘Midgy’ would tag along too. Curt and Charlie will be fondly remembered by many of Curt’s customers, one of whom even published a children’s book about them. Curt’s affinity for Nerf guns preceded fatherhood, and with Charlie the two would initiate many epic family Nerf gun battles that will not soon be forgotten.

Curt will be remembered for many admirable character traits that could never fully be exhausted here; his passionate and charismatic personality, sense of humour and adventurous fun, strong work ethic, tenacious faith and love of people. Curt loved Jesus with his whole heart and had a gift for naturally weaving this into his conversations with people. For many years Curt could be found at the Drop-In Centre downtown, sharing his love for God and others in real and tangible ways. Here he made many friends, and radically opened his home, his life, and later his business by employing friends he had made there. To honour Curt’s memory, donations to the Royal City Mission would be appreciated.

There will be an empty spot at future campfires without Curt’s passionate contributions to discussion. Curt was known to wax eloquent on a myriad of topics and was a voracious reader. His ability to tune out his surroundings and focus completely on whatever work he was studying will never be matched. His love of music planted seeds in those around him, and his commitment to lead church worship musically was a large aspect of his life for a time. In the end, breathing the fresh country air, helping those in need, and modelling these tendencies consistently to his son, were the spaces Curt felt most at home. He worked, played and loved well, and was an inspiration to many who knew him. Curtis will be sorely missed.