Mark Kryger
January 13, 1934 – March 27, 2013
Markus (Mark) Kryger was born in Arnemuiden, the Netherlands to Johannes and Antonina Kryger. He was the second oldest of eight children. Mark was predeceased by his parents, brother Jack Kryger and grandson Cass Berarducci.
In 1957 at the age of 23 Mark married Jacoba (Connie) Hazenberg in the Netherlands.
As for many immigrants Canada was known as the land of milk and honey. At that time the Dutch government was paying immigrants travel costs to move, and because Mark and Connie both had siblings in Canada, it seemed like the perfect place to move to. Forty-seven years ago, on April 1, 1966, Mark and Connie and 3 daughters arrived on Canadian soil and over the course of a few years Mark and Connie were blessed with 2 more daughters. Mark always said he was so blessed to have all these girls in his life.
Many people would say, ‘Wow Mark, 5 daughters” and he would reply saying, that by having only girls, he always knew that the sons would come later. Mark was so proud and thankful for his children, son-in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mark and Connie were a team in everything that they did and his love for her was evident right until the end. Mark was generous and compassionate about the many people who influenced his life and the lives of his family. He was ready to help no matter what the job was or what was needed. Mark had a creative approach to situations that other people would consider impossible. He was known to “make it work.”
Mark worked hard at a variety of different types of employment such as a farmer, mason, construction, millwright, pilot, carpenter, miner, mechanic, logging industry, handy man and landlord.
Once he retired from the work force, Mark enjoyed world traveling, volunteer mission work, fishing and camping, playing cards, visiting and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mark was hungry for knowledge, always wanting to learn the latest whether it be technology, learning the stock market, new industries, latest news, politics and medical/health research. He was active in his faith, church life and supported Christian education.
Mark always believed in a healthy active lifestyle. He loved to walk, go to the gym and swim. After a short battle of Mesothelioma (Asbestos Cancer) he passed away with his wife and girls by his side.
A Funeral Service was held on April 1st in the Smithers Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Martin Vellekoop officiating. Interment took place in the Smithers Cemetery. Anyone wishing to make donations in Mark’s memory can send them to the Smithers Home and Community Care Pallative Program at c/o PO Box 370, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0.
“I will enter his gates with thanks giving in my heart,
I will enter his courts with praise.
I will say this is the day that the Lord has made,
I will rejoice for he has made me glad.”
R.A. Schrader Funeral Services
250-847-2441
condolences@raschraderfuneralhome.com