JOHN PETER VAN HAM, beloved husband of Cobi (Jansen) van Ham, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at the age of 73 years surrounded by his beloved family. John was born in Dongen, the Netherlands on July 31, 1935. He was the oldest of ten children. John married the love of his life, Cobi, on August 29, 1967. In 1984, John and Cobi immigrated to Coaldale, Alberta with their two sons. John is survived by his loving wife Cobi (Jansen) of 41 years; his two children, Joost (Kerry) van Ham and Twan (Doreen) van Ham; his three grandchildren Tyren, Taylor and Tiara; his brothers Kees (Wies) van Ham, Jaak (Addy) van Ham and Dries (Jeanne) van Ham; his sisters, Nell (Mart) Mulders, Jo (Kees) Oomen; Fien van de Burgt; Anny (Tjeu) Segers and Margriet (Willem) Vulto; and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents, Adrianus and Helena van Ham; brother Piet van Ham; and brother-in-law Lambert van de Burgt. John was an amazingly talented machinist, able to make anything out of nothing. John loved collecting and restoring Farmall Tractors. They had a beautifully large yard, as he was also very fond of gardening, loving to spend time outside working with the trees and grass. John and Cobi loved having friends and family around, always welcoming them to their home. John was a veteran in the Dutch Army from 1955 to 1957. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #1490, and an active member of the Father Lacombe Assembly 4th Degree. John also a member of the Dutch Canadian Club. To our family and friends: your prayers and support are truly appreciated during this difficult time and will continue to bring us comfort. Relatives and friends are invited to a Prayer Service at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 - 23 Avenue, Coaldale, Alberta, on Friday, November 7, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. with Reverend Tomy Manjaly officiating. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 - 23 Avenue, Coaldale, Alberta, on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Tomy Manjaly Celebrant. In lieu of flowers and in memory of John, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2M7.