Peacefully with his family at his side, our Dad passed away into the arms of Jesus at the age of 84. He was greatly loved and will be missed by his wife Pearl (nee Polet) of 62 years; 6 children: George (Henny), Murray (Pauline), Elaine Halischuk, Bev (Peter) Pastoor, Linda (Jan) Eisses and Allan (Catherine); 17 grandchildren: Brenda, Carl (Danielle), Angela (Patrick), Michael (Leslie), Albert (Kristy), Derek (Nicole), Diana (Rob), Crystal (Niels), Eddie, Cameron, Spencer, Hannah, Dexter, Nico, David, Ava, and Charlotte, and 21 great grandchildren; his siblings Anne Haarsma, Bert, brother-in-law Ernie Boklaschuk, as well as Polet brother’s/sister’s-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Pre-deceased by son-in-law Eddy Halischuk, sister Grace Boklaschuk and sister-in-law Janis, and brother-in-law John Haarsma.
Dad was born October 10, 1932 to George and Pearl, immigrants from the Netherlands and enjoyed a loving childhood with his siblings on the farm. Dad and Mom married in 1955 and shortly after Dad himself built their first house, including plumbing but water hook up occurred 4 years later after their 4th child was born. Life on the farm was not always easy. Dad appreciated his Meadows community friends who were always willing to lend a helping hand.
Dad took great pleasure and pride in working over 40 years milking his dairy cows and grain farming on the Meadows farm, which he and his brother Bert owned along with Mom and Auntie Janis. After retirement Dad would go most days to the farm to help out and offer advice to his nephew’s Rob and Brian who took over the farm. Even well into his 80’s Dad would help out on Murray’s strawberry farm, George’s farm and on the farm in Meadows.
Dad’s greatest treasure was his family. He was so proud of all his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He loved helping them with building projects, camping with the whole family at Andy Lake for 34 years and listening to their stories. He had the greatest laugh and always made you feel he had time for you. All the grandchildren and great grandchildren called him “Chicken Grandpa” because he had a ceramic chicken that would lay candy eggs. Dad wrote a book “Memories Of A Farm Boy Growing Up On The Prairies”, for his family. He was very sociable, had many close friends and always wanted people over for coffee time.
Dad was never one to sit still. He and Mom enjoyed many winters in Arizona and have made lifetime friends there too. Dad loved woodworking and was part of the woodshop group in Arizona and built his own shop at home. He made many beautiful creations to give away. Dad, always willing to help, volunteered with the Canadian Food Grains bank, rebuilt houses after disasters in Honduras, Grand Forks and Grand Point and served as a Trustee in the Interlake School Division.
Dad’s faith and trust in the Lord has always been his guiding light. He was a lifetime member of the Christian Reformed Church where he served as both an Elder and Deacon for many years. Dad wrote a message to his loved ones, he wanted to be remembered for “faith in God, dedication to and love for my family. Good work ethic and love for my country & the freedom we enjoy”.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Kerry Graham, all the incredible staff of palliative care, Quarry Ridge Pharmacy and the staff of Doctor Evelyn Memorial Hospital in Stonewall.
A funeral service will be held at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 653 Knowles Ave. Winnipeg on Wednesday, February 1, 2016 at 2:00 pm. A live feed of the funeral can be viewed at: http://covenantcrc.sermon.net/main/main/20297581
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them.” Revelation 14:13
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to CancerCare Manitoba.