Johan Verbeek

Johan (John/Hans) Verbeek was born in Goes Netherlands to Herman and Harmina Verbeek. Growing up in the city, with his dad wanting him to be a bookkeeper, but John had other ideas and that was farming! An opportunity arose and in 1954, John left his family and fiancé, Mattie behind to start a new life in Canada. One year later, Mattie joined him in Saskatchewan and they married.

John worked for various farmers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and in B.C, the lower Fraser valley. After many moves within the valley, they settled in Delta where they raised their three children. In 1976, after years of building up the herd, quota and machinery, they bought their one and only farm on Matsqui Prairie. As a retired dairy farmer, John supported calloused hands, achy joints and a weary body. But retirement also gave them more time to travel, cruise, bus, train and road trips and visiting family back home, just enjoying life. Most of their travels were with good friends Pete and Mieke Thibaudier for about 30 years.

He also enjoyed the grandchildren and for many years, bowling and dancing. Even though John’s mobility had diminished, he danced in his wheelchair, saving the last dance with Mattie to classic country songs.

After a lengthy battle with dementia/Alzheimer’s, John has gone on to greener pastures, leaving behind his beloved wife, Mattie, of almost 68 years of marriage, son Herman(Deb), daughter Ellen(Daryl) and son Jack(Sheila). Also 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

He is survived by his sister Gerri Botts in England, brother in law Marien Stevense, sisters in law, Lina Stevense, Else and Door Verbeek all from the Netherlands.

Predeceased by sister Henny(Petro) from England, brothers Tony(Ina), Harm(Toby), Arie and Geert from the Netherlands and brother in law Micheal Czorny from England.

Rest now, your day is done!

We will miss you, but you will forever be in our hearts!❤️

Love you always! ❤️💕❤️

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hendersonsabbotsfordfunerals.com for the Verbeek family.