In Loving Memory of
Theo Bandstra
March 12, 1925 — Nov. 27, 2003
Theo Bandstra was born on March 12, 1925, in Lioessens, Friesland. He grew up in a family of eight children, seven boys and one girl, and was predeceased by a young brother, Dirk.
At age 20, Theo left for Indonesia to serve in the Dutch army. Soon after returning to the Netherlands, he married Anna Douma.
Indonesia always had a special place in Theo’s heart. Together with his wife Anna he returned for visits on two different occasions.
In 1952, Theo and Anna immigrated to Canada and settled in Smithers, BC. Theo was with Smithers Transport in the early years, a familiar occupation to him after being in the transportation business in the Netherlands. After being involved in transportation for a few years with his brother John, he left trucking for the automobile business, becoming owner of Bovill Motors, which is now known as Frontier Chrysler.
Theo spent many volunteer hours on the boards of his church, the Christian School, the BV Hospital and the Credit Union. Theo’s example, testimony and legacy have had a great impact on the entire Smithers community... in the church, the Christian School and civic life.
Theo will be lovingly remembered by his wife Anna;
His children, grandchildren and great-grandchild:
John and Anne Bandstra (Terrace, BC) Bryan, David, Derek, Trevor.
Evelyn and Doug Visser (Edmonton, AB) Wendell and Darren (son), Janelle and Aaron (fiancé), Kevin.
Mark and Betty Bandstra (Smithers, BC) Tamara and Mark (fiancé), Theo, Darcy.
Diane and Nick Benjamins (Ingersoll, ON) Lisa, Kristin.
Glenn and Barb Bandstra (Smithers, BC) Amy, Nicholas, Stephanie, Julie.
His brothers and sisters and families:
John and Margaret Bandstra (Smithers, BC)
Oege and Annie† Bandstra (Lioessens, FR)
Eelkje and Cornelis† Visser (Drachten, FR)
Herman and Evelyn Bandstra (Abbotsford, BC)
Sippe and Anneke† Bandstra (Emmeloord, FR)
Dirk Bandstra†
Dick and Rena Bandstra (Smithers, BC)
He is also fondly remembered by Anna’s family as a brother-in-law and dear friend.