JOHN BRAAT, of Coaldale, Alberta, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge at the age of 84.
He was born on April 23rd, 1930 in Rucphen, Holland. In 1953, he came to Canada with his whole family to start a farm in Alberta. They bought their first farm in Barnwell in 1954. Once it was established, John went back to Holland in 1961 to marry his wife Elizabeth. They went back to Canada and found their way to Coaldale to establish their first home where they raised their family and had 4 daughters (Joanne, Mary, Elsie and Wilma). John lived to farm and was very proud he farmed until he was 82 with the loving support of his wife.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years Elizabeth, his four daughters Joanne Harris (Dave), Mary Horst (Murray), Elsie Friesen (Glen), Wilma Braat (Etienne Poulin), his grand-children Melissa (James), John, Adam, Jacqueline, Peter, Mary and Dorothy, his great grand-daughter Hadley, his brothers Peter, Jake, Fritz, Case and his sister Ann. He is predeceased by his sister Joanne, his brothers Gerry and Morris.
Prayers will be held at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 23rd Ave, Coaldale, AB., at 7 PM on Wednesday, July 2nd 2014. A Funeral Mass will also be celebrated at St-Ambrose Church at 11AM on Thursday July 3rd 2014. A private interment will be held after the service.