He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Jan (Rosanne) and their children Jan (Mackenzie), Jennifer (Alex), Jeremy (Christine Runge) and Jason; Grace and her children: Kayli (Chad), MacKenzie (Heather) and Anthony (Alicia); Brian (Rose) and their children: Kyle (Kim), Breea, and Spencer (Madi); Arthur (Darcy Visser) and his children: Larissa and Rebecca; Therecia (Dave) and their children: Cody (Kelcey) and Carlin (Arjan Gill). Including all his great grandchildren: Riley, Levi, and Isabelle (Jan & Mackenzie); Addison and Luna (Jennifer & Alex); Kinsley, Beckham, and Hadley (MacKenzie & Heather), Carter and Cooper (Anthony & Alicia); Oaklan (Spencer & Madi); and Sadie and Everett (Cody & Kelcey).

Willem was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years Janna, son Peter and two sisters, Elly and Jantje. He carried a picture of mom in his wallet until the time of his passing.

Willem was born to Jan and Greetje on April 5, 1925, in Bedum, Netherlands. He was the oldest of three children.

He grew up and went to school in Bedum. Bill met his future wife (and love of his life) Janna after his time in the army and the Indonesian War in 1950. Bill and Janna were married February 9, 1955, in Bedum, and immigrated to Canada in April 1955. They traveled by boat to Halifax and then train across Canada to Lethbridge to start a new life on the Nieboer’s farm in the Iron Springs area as a farm laborer. He also worked at LNID, Picture Butte Sugar Factory, Ed Bartel Construction, and 25 years at Haney Farms before retiring to their house in Picture Butte. He was proud of his whole family. In his retirement, he enjoyed gardening, sitting on the front step watering the lawn with a garden hose, and having a shot of Jager with family and friends.

A Private Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family wants to thank Dr. M Singh, and all the staff at Buffalo Grace that cared for Willem and Cornerstone for all their help. The family would also like to thank Lisa Thiessen, who was a wonderful housekeeper and friend. We would also like to thank Case and Gerda, who helped him with chores as need and bringing him his much-loved Dutch styled cooking. As well as Florence Vegter (mom’s sister), who helped support dad after her passing.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Willem’s memory may be made to GoodHearts Foundation, 2nd Chance Trail Ride, 468 Southgate Centre NW. PO Box 76066, Edmonton, AB, T6H 5Y7.