Obituary Overview
Forever In Our Hearts
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Martin on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 89 years of age.
He was predeceased by Metha, his wife of 56 years; infant sons Leonardus Cornelius and Leo; grandson Aiden; nephews Gerry and Leonard; parents Cornelia and Leonardus Koot; sister Jo; special cousin Jan Koot; and companion Grysje Groenendyk.
Martin is survived by his children Maria Hendrika (Keith Cowan), Nettie (Dan) Leier, Perry (Audrey) Koot and Mike (Carla) Koot; grandchildren Aaron (Darlene) Bell, Cameron Bell, Walker Cowan, Andrea Birch (Yandy Morejon), Mike Leier (Kristin Collins), Matt (Shayla) Leier, Lindsay (Lliam) Wood, Mitchell Koot, Ben Koot, Sam Koot, Jessica LaFontaine, JR Fordham and Porscha Fordham (Derek Lang); great grandchildren Lily and Emerson Birch and Lucian Morejon, Kasen Leier, Willika and Martinus Wood, Jonas and Amelie Lindenbach and Liam LaFontaine; siblings Con (Ida) Koot and Helen and Ann; in-law Trees Smits; special cousin Mary Koot; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Martin was born in The Hague, Netherlands. He assisted with the family owned dairy store from a young age.
He married Metha Korff de Gidts in 1952, and together, they continued the dairy store tradition until they immigrated to Canada in 1957.
Martin worked in the grocery business all of his working life; Shop Easy, Tom Boy and 30 years with Canada Safeway.
Martin and Metha made many friends in Regina and at Lumsden Beach.
They were avid card players and loved to dance. They went back to Holland many times and enjoyed cruises to Alaska, Panama and many Caribbean destinations.
Martin was a family man, actively involved and influential with his children and grandchildren.
He is fondly remembered as the leader of countless, year-round discovery expeditions to Wascana Park and the Qu’Appelle Valley.
Martin grew up playing soccer. He continued being active by playing volleyball, cross country skiing, jogging, dancing and gardening.
He loved being outside and his in-town and beach gardens were equally admired. Martin was a huge Roughrider fan and held season tickets for decades.
He loved history, his adopted country and proudly supported Canadian veterans.
In many ways, Martin was a man ahead of his time. He recycled, reused, composted and for years he walked or rode his prized Rudge bicycle, brought from Holland, to work.
In 2011, Martin met Grysje. Both widowed, they enjoyed love and companionship until Grysje passed in 2017.
For the past two years, Martin has resided at William Albert House in Emerald Park where he embraced his new community, formed new friendships and, most recently, received compassionate care.
Throughout his lifetime, Martin was active in his religious community and supported numerous social causes.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR MARTIN will be held at Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4001 East Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK on Friday, July 27, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Martin to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery (306) 789-8850.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Martin Koot 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Regina, Province: Saskatchewan
