Gerrit Huizenga Obituary

Huizenga, Gerrit Harry Huizenga Family Patriarch and Philanthropist 85, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, passed away August 31. Affectionately called "Uncle Harry" by relatives, friends and employees, Mr. Huizenga was a popular figure in Fort Lauderdale for nearly half a century. Born June 28, 1916 in the Bedum Province of Groningen, Netherlands, he was four months old when his parents Harm and Aaltje Keizer Huizenga immigrated to the United States. He grew up in Chicago, IL, along with his four older siblings, Sam, Tom, Peter and Tena. In the early part of the 20th century, Mr. Huizenga's father purchased a horse and wagon and founded Huizenga & Sons Scavenger Company, a trash hauling company servicing the growing Chicago's suburbs. Decades later, it became one of the core group that formed Waste Management, Inc., a multi-billion dollar New York Stock Exchange-listed corporation. Another cornerstone was Southern Sanitation Service Inc., a Fort Lauderdale-based waste hauling company owned and operated by Harry's son, Wayne. A graduate of Chicago Christian High School, Harry was editor of the school's newspaper, active in sports and served as the elected captain of the basketball team. In 1936 Harry married Jean Riddering, a cheerleader who he met at Chicago Christian High School. The couple had two children, Wayne and Bonnie. A lifelong entrepreneur, his first business venture was to establish Evergreen Park Millwork and J & H Construction Company during the 1940's, building homes in the rapidly growing Chicago suburbs of Oak Lawn and Evergreen Park. In 1954 recognizing the business opportunities in growing South Florida, Harry moved his family to Ft. Lauderdale and established a home construction business. Several Huizenga-built homes are still located in the Harbor Beach area where the Huizenga's live today. In the 1960's he joined Wayne and his son-in-law, Whit Hudson, at Southern Sanitation where he assumed a management role. In 1990, The National Solid Waste Management Association recognized his contributions to the industry and inducted him into its Hall of Fame. Harry was an active rancher for many years, raising horses on his Triple H Ranch in western Broward County. He also owned and raced trotters and pacers, competing at Pompano Park Harness Track as well as other tracks around the country. In 1987, when his son, Wayne and several associates purchased a controlling interest in the Blockbuster Video Corporation, Harry was persuaded to come out of retirement and join his son in the fast growing video rental organization. During his time at Blockbuster, he was involved in real estate and store integration, often teaming on projects with his grandson, Wayne Huizenga, Jr. A life-long baseball fan, he often mentioned that one of the happiest days of his life was when his son Wayne was awarded a National League Baseball Franchise for South Florida. In the inaugural season, Harry was named an Honorary Shortstop and had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Florida Marlins Opening Game in 1993. Catching that first pitch was his son Wayne. Harry was deeply committed to the Lord. As a young man, he regularly attended church and numerous weekly church functions. He also served as an Elder and Superintendent of Sunday school. He maintained an abiding interest in Christian education and was actively involved in the founding and building of the Evergreen Park Christian School in Evergreen Park, Illinois. In addition, he was involved with the expansion of Hope Christian College in Holland, Michigan. In Fort Lauderdale, he was a financial supporter and key fundraiser for the Fort Lauderdale Christian School. He was an active member and played a major role in the funding and construction of the Fort Lauderdale Christian Reformed Church. Mr. Huizenga is survived by his wife Jean, daughter, Bonnie Hudson, son, Wayne, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A Memorial service will be celebrated at First Presbyterian Church, 401 S.E. 15th Avenue in Ft. Lauderdale on Tuesday, September 4, at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gift be donated to the Fort Lauderdale Christian School at 6330 N.W. 31st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33309. Arrangements by Fred Hunter's Ft. Lauderdale Home, 718 S. Federal Highway.