William Dieleman, age 87 of Quick, B.C. passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013 in Smithers, B.C. just two days shy of his 88th birthday. He was born on Dec. 31, 1925 in Hoek, Netherlands, the son of Jacobus and Janna Dieleman. He was always a farmer and a good one at that, but his crops have varied greatly.
In his early years and into his teens, he farmed potatoes and turnips in the Netherlands. WWII was an evil on which he did not dwell save for the respect he held for the allies, and particularly the Canadian soldiers, that fought and liberated the Netherlands.
Arriving in Chattam, Ontario in 1950 after almost four years of service in the Dutch army in Indonesia in another war he did not like, he farmed soy beans. By 1952, he was farming hay in Quick, B.C. with his parents, brother Pete and sisters, Jane, Betty, Mary and Eva.
He was married in 1959 to Thea Bosch. In 1960, William and Thea began sprouting children and did not stop until they had five: Jack, Rene, Theresa, Andrew and Evelyn. William’s farming of them, his 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren (two planted) continues. Through his Christian faith, he gave them all deep roots and taught them the servant leadership of a father and the Father. He was a model of patience and humility – virtues necessary to farming. He gave freely of his time and love.
He has passed on and it hurts but to all of those who knew him, you know he would have wanted you to grow – so grow.
The Burial took place Friday, Jan. 3, 2014 in the Telkwa Cemetery and a Memorial Service followed at the Telkwa Christian Reformed Church. Pastors Joe and Michelle Ellis officiated.
He is survived by two of his sisters, Mary (Philip) and Eva (Dave), all of his children, their spouses and children: Jack (Paula) and children Jonathan, Michael (Carmelle and baby), Christopher, Robert, David and Steven; Rene (Joyce) and children Chelsea (Eric, Quinn and baby), Nathan, Jocelyn (Jared), Juanita and Nicole; Theresa (Gerritt) and children Jennifer (William, Paul and Anna), Olinda, Kimberly and Hilda; Andrew; and Evelyn (Al) and children Taleisha and Naden. He is also survived by many other loving relatives and friends, including numerous nieces and nephews.
“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” – James 5:7-8.
R.A. Schrader Funeral Services
250-847-2441
condolences@raschraderfuneralhome.com