Harm Thalen

Harm Thalen, formerly of the Netherlands, who made his life in the Blyth area, passed away peacefully with family and the amazing staff at Jessica's House nearby on Saturday, March 11, 2023. He was in his 88th year.

Harm was the husband of Sharon Thalen and dear father of Annie Riley, Hilda Crocker (Don), Herman Thalen (Jessica) and Helen Pridham (Brian).  He will also be sadly missed by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Harm was predeceased by his wife of 40 years Irene Thalen (1995), son Rick Thalen (1992), granddaughter Heather Riley (1976), parents Harm and Hillichien Thalen and all of his siblings.

Those who sat at his table, worked alongside him or even just listened to his stories, know that he lived a life that most couldn’t even imagine; from living as a young man in a country invaded by war, to his family making the decision to come to Canada when he was in his teens with very few belongings, leaving the only life they knew behind not knowing what laid ahead. But that family banded together in the Hamilton area where he met Irene. They married and had three children before moving to the Blyth area where he farmed alongside his dad. 

Laying hens, cash crops, livestock, custom work and truck driving, were just a few of the things he accomplished and then two more children came along.  He restored and showed antique tractors, had an aviary in his backyard and a store on the main street that kept them busy. 

Friends were always welcome to sit and have a meal at his table but the sudden passing of his first wife, Irene, changed his world forever. But with the love of his second wife Sharon, he was able to move forward. 

Many thanks to family and friends for all your support, the staff at St Mary’s Hospital, Clinton Public Hospital, and finally Jessica's House, we could not have gotten through it without any of you. Thank you.  

Family and close friends were received at the Falconer Funeral Home, Clinton on Wednesday March 15 for visitation, followed by the funeral service. Rev. Nancy Knowles officiated. Spring Interment will be at the Blyth Union Cemetery. 

Memorial donations to Jessica's House, Exeter would be appreciated. Messages of condolences for the Thalen family are welcome at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com.