March 10, 1936 – June 16, 2021

Joe passed away peacefully on June 16 surrounded by his family.

Joe was predeceased by his parents Thale and Grietje (nee-Hilbolling), his two sisters Hendrika (Ron) and Zwaantje (Willem) and nephews Thale Kwant and Roulof (Ida) Kwant. Joe is survived by his 2 sons John (Jeff) and Greg (Julia), his grandchildren Isabel and Alexandra, niece Rita (Ed) Fransen-Morris and nephew Roy Fransen.

Joe was born on March 10, 1936 in the community of Anloo – Netherlands and was the youngest of 3 children. The family was fortunate to survive WWII while residing in the Netherlands and Joe was 8 when the war ended. The family immigrated to Canada on May 03, 1954 and eventually settled in Merritt. Joe’s oldest sister, Zwaantje married 2 ½ weeks earlier and remained in the Netherlands to start a family of her own. Although the family had aspirations of farming, both Joe and his father found long careers in the forestry and lumber industry, mainly working in local sawmills. Joe became a lumber grader and worked until he suffered a life changing heart attack in his 50’s.

The family lived next door to Rob and Wanda Gush, who raised 7 children and both families bonded, shared their lives together, and built relationships that still remain strong through generations. On May 25, 1962 Joe married Jill Varney, built a home and raised a family. Joe and Jill parted ways in 2001. Joe married 2 more times and later spent the last several years as a single man in Merritt.

As a young man in Holland, Joe had a passion for soccer and loved to fish and garden. While raising a family, Joe successfully coached youth soccer for a number of years. Camping became a part of life and the family spent most weekends along the shorelines of the local lakes. Lundbom Lake was a family favorite. Joe later found a love for curling and golf and he enjoyed both sports until he physically couldn’t. He was fortunate enough to experience 3 ‘hole in ones’. Joe also enjoyed watching sports and mostly watching his grandchildren take part in sporting, musical and school activities.

The family would like to thank the staff at Nicola Meadows who tirelessly gave Joe the support he required while he resided there. We would also like to thank the medical professionals in Merritt and the staff at the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be scheduled at a later date and be held at the Crossroads Community Church. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary.

To express a message of condolence, visit Merritt Funeral Chapel.

• Date : 2021-06-16
• Location : Merritt