Sidney Bouwman

Sidney Bouwman went to his heavenly home March 1, 2017, after a two-year fight with cancer.

Sidney was born on April 9, 1932 to Dick and Sadie (Stremler) Bouwman. He was fourth of nine children growing up on the little country farm on Polinder Road on the outskirts of Lynden. In 1952 Sid was drafted into the U.S. Army and after basic training was sent to Korea for a year and a half. He later went on to serve in the reserves for six years.

In November 1957, he married his love, Doris Reimer. Together they had five children.

After brief time farming and as a carpenter in construction, Sid worked as an excavating contractor and his last 16 years were as the utility superintendent for the City of Everson. In retirement, Sid and Doris volunteered at Rehoboth in New Mexico, with the Gleaners in Oliver, B.C., 18 years at the Lynden Christian Schools paper baler, and then the last four years at the Christian Service Center near Yuma, Arizona.

Sid was preceded in death by his parents, brother Frank and sister Bernice Mouw.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Doris; children Brent (Jacque) Bouwman, Claire (Rich) Harrington, Orv (Renee) Bouwman, Darla (Joel) Gibson and Karin (Ed) Keathley; and siblings Louise Fox, Grace Hayes, Rich (Katie) Bouwman, John Bouwman, Doug (Diane) Bouwman and Greta Bouwman. He will be greatly missed by his 11 grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on Monday, March 6, in First Christian Reformed Church, Lynden, with Pastor Robert Woodyard officiating. Interment with military honors preceded in Monumenta Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Dr., Lynden, WA 98264 or a charity of your choice.

You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.