GERRIT JAN WITHAGE April 6, 1923 - September 17, 2013

With thanks to God for a life well lived, we say goodbye to our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, GERRIT JAN (JOHN) WITHAGE.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Hilda (Nauta) Withage; his children and grandchildren: Joyce (Henk) Thomas, Duane and Melanee; Marilyn (Neil Wismer); Donald (Kathy), Katelyn, Marcia, and his namesake Janessa; Michael (Pamela). He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Dena (John) Kooy. He was predeceased by two sisters, Dorothy Giduk and Gert Withage.

John was born on the family farm near Nobleford and lived and farmed there for 84 years. In 1947 he married Hilda Nauta and for the next 60 years they built their farm and their family. In 2007, John and Hilda moved to Regina to be near Don and his family, and the new Withage farm at Kronau.

A year later, when the Kronau farm was sold and everyone returned to southern Alberta, they moved to The View in Lethbridge. They enjoyed relaxing in their sunny apartment, and regular trips to Tim Horton’s.

John lived a rich and fulfilling life, made possible by a strong faith, a caring and supportive wife, and his family who made it possible for him to remain involved in his beloved occupation of farming all his life.

We will miss his cheerful smile, and his great ability to look forward. We were truly blessed by him.

A memorial service will be held at the MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 - McGill Blvd. West, Lethbridge on Saturday, September 21st at 2:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, #204, 2323 - 32 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 6Z3.

Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca