BOERSMA, Joe (Joseph)
October 7, 1926 - April 28, 2012
The Lord called our father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend home to be with Him at the age of 85, with his devoted children by his side. Joe was predeceased by his wife Tina and is survived by his children Jack (Gayla), Sylvia (Ray), Jocelyn (Rudy) and Sonja, his grandchildren, David, Richard & SharaLynn and Chelsey (Neil), Dane & Corin, great grandchildren Mason and Amelia, brothers John, Rin and Terry (Betty Lue) and brother-in-law Bob (Dena) and sister-in-law Loes. Joe was born and grew up in Sneek, Friesland, The Netherlands. During World War II, and continuing after the liberation, Joe worked in the water utility office in Sneek until he was drafted by the Dutch Army, as a Sergeant, in Indonesia engineering the construction of bailey bridges. In 1951, Joe married Tina Wester and immigrated to Canada, settling in Vancouver, BC, where he worked at various jobs including Simpson-Sears in shipping and receiving. After Joe accepted a position with Matsqui Water Works, Joe and Tina moved to Matsqui Village. As this was part-time work, Joe also worked for Ray Bonn, surveyor. Joe and Tina then built a house in Abbotsford, where they raised their four children. Joe moved on in his career as well, and accepted a position with BC Hydro - Gas Division, where he worked as a planner for over 30 years until his retirement in 1986. With a selfless servant's heart, Joe served his community by volunteering with dedication and grace for: former Ebenezer Home Society, Abbotsford Christian School Society, Councils at Gateway and Living Hope C.R.C., Chairman for various committees, former Neighbour Link, Master of Ceremonies at numerous weddings and celebrations, school crossing guard. The family gives a heartfelt "thank-you" to Menno Home; for they served and cared for Joe with compassionate hearts during the past three years. A Memorial Service will be held at Living Hope C.R.C., 34631 Old Clayburn Rd, Abbotsford, on Thursday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Joe to the organizations closest to his heart: Bethesda Association for people with disabilities or Abbotsford Christian School or Menno Home.