Hendrik C. "Henk" Auwerda

Hendrik C. “Henk” Auwerda, aged 87, of Winslow Township, NJ, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at home.

Henk was born in The Hague, Netherlands, where he met Johanna DeNiet, the love of his life. Together, they embarked on a journey that spanned continents and created a lifetime of cherished memories.

Their adventures took them through various cities in the Netherlands before they immigrated to the United States. Henk and Johanna made their homes in Charlotte Harbor, FL, Cherry Hill NJ, Medford NJ, Hudson FL, Mohnton PA, Murphy NC, and Sicklerville NJ, where they embraced each new chapter with enthusiasm and grace.

A savvy and ambitious businessman, Henk, alongside his wife, owned and operated several successful ventures, including De Eenhoorn pharmacy in Zaandam, the Netherlands, the Unicorn gift shop in Charlotte Harbor, FL, Aduard, Inc. in Cherry Hill, NJ and The Dutch Lions at the Renaissance Fair in Manheim, PA. Their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication were the foundation of their success.

Henk was a man of boundless curiosity and a love for the natural world. He found joy in gardening, reading, cooking, dancing, and even took flying lessons during his time in Medford, NJ, only after he promised Johanna that he would take out a life insurance policy. A lifelong vegetarian, he held a deep respect for all living creatures and dedicated his retirement years to volunteering with Hospice, providing comfort and care to those in need.

Together with Johanna and, in earlier years, with their children, Henk explored countless countries, embracing new cultures and experiences with an open heart. His adventurous spirit and zest for life inspired all who knew him.

Henk is predeceased by his parents, Karel and Hillegonda Auwerda, his brother Jan, and his beloved son-in-law, Lawrence Lorino.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Johanna, and their three daughters, Alexandra Lorino, Hester Aldakimov and her husband Phil Ulversoy, and Judy Wilson and her husband Mike.

Henk will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Sully Lorino, Emily, Zachary, and Rachel Aldakimov, Michael, Tyler, and his wife Gina, Nicholas and his wife Sam, and Eric Wilson. Henk was also a proud great-grandparent to Odyn and Weston. Shortly before his passing he was thrilled to learn that he had a great-granddaughter on the way.

Cremation and private services will be held by the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Henk's honor to one of the many charities he supported, including the Humane Society, Doctors Without Borders, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, Covenant House and the Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Henk’s legacy of love, kindness, and adventure will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.