On January 30, 2023, at the age of 88, Koen, a dear husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, went home to be with His Lord and Saviour. Born in the Netherlands, he immigrated to Canada as a young boy along with the rest of his family in 1948. Eventually settling in the small village of Murillo with his bride, Jean.
In December 1963, they purchased a farm on Mud Lake Road and fulfilled their dream of farming. Koen and Jean enjoyed many years and countless memories with their growing family working in the barn and fields. Even into retirement Koen could be found lending a hand at the farm.
At an early age, Koen’s love of music was evident as he sang in a boys’ choir in Holland. He went on to play in a band, sing in various choirs and later in life was able to join the Fort William Male Choir, where he enjoyed performing alongside the new friends he made.
A lifelong member of First CRC, Koen faithfully served on council and various committees using the gifts the Lord gave him. He also was active in his community, serving on agricultural organizations, committees, and several terms on the Oliver-Paipoonge Council.
Koen was very much a people person and enjoyed talking to anyone, anywhere, and at any time, always taking an interest in their lives. In his later years, one of his daily highlights was his morning coffee and get together with “the boys” before heading up to the farm.
Koen is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Jean, as well as his five children, 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren; Yolanda (Ralph d.) Meems, Darren (Lacie); Jacqueline (Ralph) Bakker, David (Rylee), Adam (Teanna), Zachary (Rylie); Lauri (Peter) Fieldhouse, Kyle (Jennifer) Tempelman, Mya & Logan, Ryan, Keira (Blake); John (Gertrude) Blake (Janessa), Nathan, Brooke (Dan) Siebenga, Hope; Patricia (Ted) Kaemingh, Dawson, Julia, Lauren, Ava, Bradley and numerous extended family members.
Visitation will be held at First CRC from 7:00-8:30 pm on February 5, 2023. The funeral service will be held at First CRC at 11:30am on February 6th, with a private family interment prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lifewater Canada or to the Thunder Bay Christian School.
The family would like to thank the staff of 3 South at Hogarth Riverview for their excellent care of Koen during the last ten months of his life.
