Arthur Bakker

Arthur was born September 3, 1926 in Hindeloopen, Netherlands. He was predeceased by his parents: Detje Ritskes and Doede Bakker; brothers Simon, Peter, Jim and sister Tina and granddaughter Anita.

Arthur is survived by his Wife, Rose; Brothers Gerry (Ellie) Bakker and John Bakker; his children: Dan (Janice) Bakker, John Bakker, Deta Sinnamon, Lorne (Betsy) Bakker, Tena (George) DeGraaf, Simon (Shari) Bakker and Susan (Gord) McKenzie; his grandchildren Art(Ashley)Bakker, Jane (Doug) Anastos, David Bakker, Daniel Bakker, Rebecca (Kristian) Deighton, Luke (Brittany)Bakker,Tabatha (Rob)Morrison, Mike (Krystal),Sinnamon, Craig Bakker, Lydia Bakker, Danica Bakker, Jennifer DeGraaf, GeorgeDeGraaf Jr., Leesa DeGraaf, and Meranda McKenzie. His Great-Grandchildren: Andon Morrison, Arthur Anastos, Emilie Deighton, Megan Deighton and Ariel McKenzie.

Even though Arthur grew up in Holland during the war, he spoke fondly of his idyllic childhood in his small Friesian village where he would walk the dikes, swim in the sea and roam the village in his wooden shoes.

After serving in the Dutch Army in Indonesia from 1946 – 1949, Arthur immigrated to Canada in 1950 - where he began his lifelong career in agriculture. He married his “dream wife” Rose Kock in 1953 in Peterborough, Ontario. Together, they farmed in Ontario for 30 years – where they raised their family. He was a very proud father, farmer - and Canadian. He travelled across Canada, from coast-to-coast, and decided to retire to the “warmland” of the Cowichan Valley in 1980.

For Arthur retirement wasn't about slowing down – in fact, for him, it meant speeding up! He took on the challenge of training and competing in five Iron Man competitions, and numerous Triathlons and Swim Meets. He loved the personal challenge of the training, the thrill of competition and the camraderie of the sporting community.

When Arthur wasn't on his bike, he could be found camping in his motorhome or fishing on one of his sons' boats. He loved to spend time outdoors - but most importantly with his family.

A celebration of Arthur's life was held on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at the Christian Reformed Church in Duncan. Donations in Arthur's memory can be made to the Tuition Assistance Fund through the Deacons of the Christian Reformed Church, 930 Trunk Road, Duncan, BC V9L 2S1, phone 250-748-2122.

FIRST MEMORIAL FUNERAL SERVICES

Duncan, B.C.

(250) 748-2134