Gerrit (George) Boonstra
My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will also rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave. Psalm 16:9-10
On Monday, June 9, 2003, George Boonstra peacefully joined the Lord.
He is greatly missed by his family Ð his loving wife, Grace; his children: Jacqui Boonstra of Chilliwack, Ron (Sandy) Boonstra of Chilliwack, Linda (Will) Ryks of Edmonton, James Boonstra of Vancouver; his grandchildren: Corey and Jason Lequereux, Chloe and Levi Boonstra, Christopher, Matthew and Brianna Ryks; his brothers and sisters: Annie (Sid) Jaarsma of Abbotsford, Alice (Bill) Oomen of Smithers, Lolly (Wiebe) Meter of Holland, Stan (Joanne) Boonstra of Kelowna, Hans (Nancy) Boonstra of Smithers, Geertje (Henk) de Haan of Holland, Jochum (Tryntje) Boonstra of Holland, Pope Boonstra of Holland; and his sister-in-law, Sijke van Bruggen of Holland.
George was born in Duurswoude, The Netherlands on April 30, 1934. On June 29, 1954, he immigrated to Canada where he found immense pleasure in the beauty of the mountains. He settled in Smithers B.C., then moved to Duncan, B.C. in 1981. He returned to Smithers in 1985 where he remained until retiring to Chilliwack, B.C. in 2001. He worked in the automotive industry his entire life: as a mechanic, as a salesman, and as a partner in a variety of car dealerships.
George shared 46 years of marriage with Grace and was blessed by children and grandchildren, in whom he took great interest and joy. He accepted the Lord’s guidance in all his life’s blessings and hardships. His compassionate nature and generosity to others will forever inspire his family.
The family expresses their thanks and gratitude to the staff and doctors of the ICU2 at Vancouver General Hospital for their excellent care in George’s final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, 565 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 4J4.
Interment took place at Chilliwack Cemeteries on Little Mountain, 10010 Hillcrest Drive, in Chilliwack, B.C. Messages of condolence may be sent to boonstracondolences@ telus.net