May 25, 1934 - July 25, 2007
Jim Vriend passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord on July 25, 2007 with his family by his side. Left to grieve is his wife of 52 years, Rita Vriend. His children, Brenda (Larry) Schroeder, Marvin Vriend, Don and Tammy Vriend, Lori (Greg) Lambert. His grandchildren, Cheryl and Julie Schroeder, Rachel and Avonlea Vriend (Mary Anne Vriend), Paige and Jacob Vriend, Lisa, Steven and Curtis Lambert.
Jim was born in Andijk, Holland and moved with his family to Houston, B.C. when he was four years old. Jim worked in the logging industry while he was in Houston, first in the bush and then later in the mill. He moved his family to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1970 and worked as a millwright at Ritchie-Smith for over 20 years. He retired from there when he was 58 years old. After he retired he started driving as a volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society and that turned into co-ordinating all the drivers for the Abbotsford area. He worked at that for over 10 years but had to finally give up this work he greatly enjoyed due to his health.
Jim lived for his family and was very proud of them all.
We, as his family, would like to thank all of Jim's nurses and caregivers at the MSA Hospital over the last few months. We would also like to thank Dr. Williams, Dr. Moore and the wonderfully caring nurses in the ICU.
The memorial service celebrating Jim Vriend's life will be held at Trinity Christian Reformed church on Trethewey St., Monday, July 30, 2007 at 11 am. There will be a graveside service preceding the memorial service at Hazelwood Cemetery at 10 am. on the same day. A Viewing will be held Sunday, July 29, 2007 at Trinity CRC from 1-2 pm.