Jan Willem (John) Hamhuis
December 16, 1916 – June 10, 2010
Jan Willem (John) Hamhuis was born on December 16, 1916 in Overijsel, Holland, the eldest of 4 children and the only son. His father, who was also a carpenter, passed away at an early age and thus John went to trade school at the age of 15 to learn the trade of carpentry.
John met his wife, Anna Cornelia Pijper, in Heemse, Holland, during the second world war and they were married on August 21, 1946.
Over the following years, four children were born to John and Anna. In 1951 the family emigrated to Houston, B.C. Later on, John found work as a carpenter at the Experimental Farm just outside of Smithers and so the family moved into a house provided by the farm. In 1953 they moved into Smithers. His first job in Smithers was working for Bovill and Hann, hanging heavy doors in the former Post Office. (They called him “Bill” as there were three “Johns” working there).
In 1954 and in 1957 two more children were born to John and Anna, making the family of eight.
John was an excellent carpenter, and was known for his immaculate work and attention to detail. In the 1960’s he started his own carpentry business, building some homes and making furniture, and kitchens. Many homes in the Smithers area are sure to hold either a kitchen or a piece of furniture made by him.
John was a man who lived out his faith so strongly every day of his life. We are so blessed to have had such a loving, sincere, caring, compassionate husband, father and grandfather with such a deep faith in the Lord.
Predeceased by his sons Herman and John, Jan Willem is survived by his loving wife, Anna Cornelia and his loving children:
Gail (Herman) Hamhuis, Victoria, BC
Hans & Marg Hamhuis, Terrace, BC
Irma (John) Hamhuis, Smithers, BC
Marg & Dave Dillon, Nanaimo, BC
Deeny & Mike Zantingh, Smithers, BC
Marty & Ida Hamhuis, Smithers, BC
17 grandchildren
27 great-grandchildren
“The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation” – Psalm 27: 1a
The Hanhuis Family