April 25, 2019
John Onderwater of Abbotsford passed away peacefully on April 25, 2019, at the age of 88. He leaves behind a loving wife of 65 years, Ellie; and his family, Mary (Rick) Defehr, Judy (Barry) Solberg, Raymond Onderwater and Lee-Ann Mitchell. He also leaves 7 grandchildren, Matthew and Steven Defehr, Benjamin and Christopher Solberg, Madison, Joshua and Makayla Mitchell; and 5 great-grandchildren, Kingston and Brooklyn Defehr, Sydney and Olivia Solberg and Tessa Solberg.
John came to Canada in 1951 from the Netherlands. He returned briefly to the Netherlands to marry Ellie in 1954 and brought her to Canada as well. He worked on their hog farm in Sumas Prairie. He retired in 1995 and they went on many glamping trips and various trips overseas. John loved playing cards, gardening and playing jokes (and reliving jokes from the past) on family and friends.
There will be a Mass for John on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 11 am at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, 33333 Mayfair Ave., Abbotsford, BC, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations to "Alzheimer Society of Canada" in John's Memory would be greatly appreciated.
Tributes and condolences may be left at: www.hendersonsabbotsfordfunerals.com.
Henderson's Funeral Home 604-854-5534.
Henderson's Funeral Home