John Koldyk
Oct. 19, 1923 – June 27, 2010
John Koldyk was born in Leeuwarden, Holland in 1923 to his parents, Symon and Rienske Koldyk. John was one of three boys and two girls, all of whom eventually immigrated to Canada.
John was taken captive by the Germans during World War II and served for two years as a farm labourer in Germany. When the war was over, John along with his older brother Siebren immigrated to Canada to begin a new Life. Their first stop was a brief stay in Brandon, Manitoba, before continuing on to Lillooet, BC. Both John and Siebren found jobs working in a gold mine and worked hard for the next year. When they heard a call telling of good farming land in Northern BC, their journey continued on to Smithers where John and Siebren finally settled down to begin farming.
Once in Smithers John made arrangements for the love of his Life, Evelyn (Wieling) Koldyk to immigrate to Canada. On June 16th, 1950 they were married in the Houston Christian Reformed Church and began their life together.
John and Evelyn have enjoyed a happy and prosperous life together farming in the Bulkley Valley with John retiring in 1983. John leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years, Evelyn, along with their four children, Symon & (Jane), Rene & (Gerry), Don & (Katie) and Sid & (Holly). John’s legacy also includes 13 Grand Children and 18 Great Grand Children.