On July 12 2007, God called his faithful servant, Johannes (John) VanderGraaf home in his 99th year. John leaves behind his beloved wife of 39 years, Ann, two sons, Tjalle (Evelyn) in Pinawa, MB, John (Elly) in Cloverdale, BC, grandchildren, Robert, Marc, Jennifer (Christopher) and Christopher; Rick (Sirkka), Janice (John), and Russell (Corin); Charlene and Richard; and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Geraldine (Gerritje) in 1957, his only daughter, Frankie, in 1978, and by his many siblings in The Netherlands and in Canada.
During his long life, John put his trust in his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He was a faithful member of the Immanuel Covenant Reformed Church where, as recently as last April, he often assisted in greeting his fellow parishioners and handing out church bulletins.
The family thanks the medical staff of the MSA Hospital for the superb care that they gave John in the last stages of his life.
A private graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 17 at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Burnaby for the immediate Âfamily followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm at the Immanuel Covenant Reformed Church, 35063 Page Road, Matsqui, BC, with Rev. William Van der Woerd officiating. Henderson’s Funeral Home, Abbotsford is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Bethesda Christian Association are appreciated.
Henderson’s Funeral Home
604-854-5534
www.hendersonsabbotsfordfunerals.com