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It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Klaas, dad, grandpa, Pake, Oom, Uncle, Clarence, Super C.
He lost his 8 month battle to cancer and took his final journey into God’s care at the age of 88.
Klaas is survived by Grace (Geertje) his loving wife of 66 years, children Diana (Henry) Irene (Pete) Brian (Faith) Trixie (Gary) Terri Lynn (Kevin), 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
Klaas was the 6th child of 10. He was born to Fokelines and Alke VanderWal in Lemmer, Friesland on January 29th, 1933. He was pre deceased by his father, mother and four siblings.
Klaas met Grace in Lemmer in 1951, and when he immigrated to Canada in 1954 Grace followed five months later. Klaas and Grace married in Edmonton, Alberta in May 1955. Between 1956 and 1975 they welcomed five children, four girls and one boy. In 1963 Klaas and Grace moved to Vernon, BC to start a business with brother-in-law Klaas Tensen. In 1965 they moved their family back to the Netherlands for a very short 8 months and then moved back to Vernon.
Over the years Klaas and Grace moved to several other cities including Kamloops, Duncan and in 2005 settled in Abbotsford which allowed them to be closer to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Klaas did everything he did with gusto. He spent time volunteering; whether for Gleaner’s, the Mission Store, or being a crossing guard for the Christian Elementary School, or spending time working on the grounds at Cedar Springs. He was blessed to have made many dear friends during his years as a volunteer.
After a health scare in 1989 he began a workout regime to be envied. He got up each morning (except Sunday) at 5am, going for a 5km walk, spending time on the stationary bike and doing 20 laps in the pool. At 8am he was heading back home where breakfast was waiting.
Dad was faithful in doing his daily devotions, no matter where he was. He was also diligent in writing a brief summary of what had happened each day in his diary.
His faith was constant throughout his life and he was passionate about sharing his faith with family and friends. He prayed for each and every family member.
He will be missed by so many.
The family wishes to acknowledge everyone who was a part of dad’s care during his illness. It took an army of angels; and to all we say, Thank you!
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Klaas Vanderwal January 29 1933
June 27 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Abbotsford, Province: Colombie britanique