"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with my loving eye on you”. Psalm 32:8
It is with heavy hearts that we share that Evert Makkinga had his prayers to go home to his heavenly Father answered the morning of Wednesday, March 6, 2024. He has joined his wife (of 71 years) Geziena, who predeceased him October 24, 2022.
Evert was born in Ommen, Overijssel, The Netherlands on December 11, 1928. He was one of six children of Martin and Altjee Makkinga, who have predeceased him. He married Geziena VanderLinde November 15, 1950, and immigrated to Canada in 1951. They settled briefly in Manitoba and moved to the rural areas around Thunder Bay. Most of their time was spent farming in various locations in Murillo where they raised 8 children.
Geziena and Evert were founding members of the First Christian Reformed Church, the Thunder Bay Christian Bay School and subsequently the United Reformed Church. He was active in church life serving many terms as a deacon and elder. Evert took immense pride in the accomplishments of his children, spouses and grandchildren.
Evert lived to emulate the Lord’s greatest command to love Him above all else and his neighbour as himself. Evert liked to garden, especially his potatoes and beans. He loved working on the land, even picking rocks and often said “if you don’t work, you don’t eat.”
Evert and Geziena loved to travel returning to the homeland frequently and with niece Hetty and Jaap Kroon did a small European tour. Since some of their children moved westward, they spent a lot of time travelling to Alberta and British Columbia to visit grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Evert leaves behind to grieve and also remember him, daughter Alice Bellavance, (Chantelle – deceased, Alexis (Shon), Kristofer), sons John (David & Jolene, Kristin & BJ, Shannon & Jared, Kaitlyn & Robert, Andrew & AnnMarie), Gerry & Wilma (Michelle & Jeff, Mark & Christina, Brian & Emily, Kevin & Marie, Michael, Randy & Jasmine), Richard, Ed (Lecia & Matt , Marty & Megan, Vanessa & Nick, Jared), Harry & Elaine (Kyle & Jessica, Brandi & Ben, Candice & Irwin, Robyn & Chad, Brooke & Vince), Ron and Adele (Cole & Kayla).
Also left to grieve are sisters Riek VanderZwaag (Rosslyn), Jantina & Hendrik Jan Hogekamp (Netherlands), mothers of grandchildren Marian Makkinga, Janet Makkinga and Linda Makkinga. He also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand children, great grandchildren and cousins in Canada, Netherlands and South Africa.
Evert was predeceased by son Martin in 1973. He was also predeceased by brothers-in law and their wives, Hendrik & Aaltjee, Egbert & Aaltjee, Gerrit & Hennie (Gerrit Veurink). Sisters-in-law and husbands Hennie & Gerrit Kamphof, Dina & Jan Wermink, Annie & Hank Wesselink, brother-in-law John VanderZwaag. Also predeceased by special niece Hetty Kroon; brother and sisters and spouses Jeanette & Gerrit Jan Makkinga, Dina & Gerard Jansen, Ina & Hans Van Leeuwen; son-in-law Terry Bellavance.
Interment will be at the Stanley Hill Cemetery prior to the service. The service will be held at the United Reformed Church on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 1:30 pm officiated by Pastor John Ysinga. The visitation will be Monday evening from 7-9 pm at the United Reformed Church on Hwy 130. Service will be live streamed, and link will be available on the church website and Blake Funeral Chapel. Memorial donations can be made to the Thunder Bay Christian School.
Online condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
