Henri W. Bakker

Henri W. Bakker, 77, husband of the late Maria Stan Smith Terry – Weissmueller, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Born on March 22, 1948, in Helsinki, Finland, He was a son of the late Willeim and Eila - Lilsa Hallberg Bakker. Henri grew up in Finland where he, his elder sister, and his two brothers would swim in the clear lakes during the summers, and ski in the winters. When Henri was seven years old he and his family moved to The Netherlands. He attended a Dutch primary school, quickly learned the Dutch language, and quickly adapted to life in The Netherlands.

After living in The Netherlands for five years, Henri’s father was sent to the Dutch consulate in Hamburg, Germany. Henri attended a German primary school and became fluent in German. He worked for a couple of years at a company that imported wood from Finland. During his time in Germany, Henri started to study technical drafting at a school in Hamburg.

After eight years in Germany Henri and his family returned to The Netherlands. Henri was drafted into the NATO forces and after his basic military training he was sent to the Dutch NATO Brigade in Seedorf, Germany.

Because of his driving and language skills that Henri developed he served as the personal driver of Dutch and German generals.

After his time in the service, Henri had moved to the United States. Here Henri met a wonderful woman names Maria. Soon after they were married and began to grow roots in the Anderson, SC area. Henri contributed over two decades of service to ALFA Technology in Anderson.

Henri’s family describe him as a gifted and gentle sensitive man. He had many interests ranging from classical music and history, to assembling bikes and computers. He loved bicycling as a young man, and he had a dry sense of humor. As an intellect, he spent his time reading medical journals and doing scientific research. He was also an animal lover, and every stray found a friend in him. He also enjoyed spending time with his cherished grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Henri is survived by his daughters, Christie Anna Terry of Greenville, SC, and Margo Pence and wife Courtney of Sandy Springs, GA; his five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers; Erik and Arnold Bakker, and his sister, Marja-Lilsa Markovic.

In addition to his parents, Henri was preceded in death by his beloved wife Maria Stan Smith Terry -Weismuller, and his granddaughter Hannah Adams.

A Graveside Service will be held Friday, April 18, 2025 at 11:00AM at Old Stone Church Cemetery in Clemson, SC.