Walter Griffioen was born to Jacobus and Wjntje on a farm in Baambrugge, the Netherlands, the second of twelve children. His early life was shaped by his parent’s living out their faithful commitment to God and church. Growing up he loved classical music, playing the organ and roaming around with friends. He went to agricultural school but really didn’t want to “shovel shit” the rest of his life. He enjoyed the company of the young people at church, particularly that of one attractive young lady whose home he frequently visited, ostensibly to hang out with her older brothers. He served two years in the Dutch army before travelling to western Canada in 1956 in hopes of a new future that didn’t include farming. After establishing himself and untold numbers of letters that crossed the ocean, he returned to Holland to marry his love, Marion, in 1958. A week later they honeymooned on a ship across the Atlantic and a train across Canada.
Walter and Marion settled in Port Coquitlam, BC, where Walter soon established his own drywall business. Daughters Helen and Carla joined the family in quick succession. After seven years the family moved to New Westminster and became members of the New Westminster Christian Reformed Church with Walter serving many years as an elder. He especially loved being a friend to the young adults. Walter was also involved in the seaman’s ministry and loved to sing in the choir. Meanwhile, the family was blessed with the births of two sons, Mark and Bruce, and Walter started his long career as a building contractor. Throughout his life Walter was deeply committed to Christian education, serving on the board of Fraser Valley Christian High School, The King’s University College and the Institute for Christian Studies. In 2005 Walter and Marion moved to Langley and joined the Willoughby CRC.
Walter and Marion loved to travel together, exploring places as diverse as Indonesia, Brazil, Greece, Portugal, China, South Africa and Australia along with many others. Walter also enjoyed touring with Marion in their motorhome across the United States and Canada. They enjoyed spending time at their cabin at Whistler and bicycle touring including the Sea-to-Sea cycle tour which they joined in Ontario and finished at the Atlantic Ocean. Playing and watching hockey were also favorite past-times for Walter.
A source of great joy for Walter were his fifteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His favorite part of a family gathering was watching the little children play and encouraging them as they grew into beautiful young adults. Classical music filled his soul and was a constant source of renewal and peace. His unwavering faith in God assured him of the Home that awaited him after his passing.
Lovingly remembered by his wife, Marion, his children Helen (Art), Carla (Ron), Mark (Tricia), and Bruce (Kristy), eight brothers and sisters, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Loved ones who have gone before him include his parents, three brothers, and his great-grandson, Kohen.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Walter Griffioen August 29th 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Aldergrove, Province: Colombie britanique