Longtime antique truck, tractor and pedal tractor restorer and collector Maurice J. Beld passed away Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, surrounded by family. He was known for being hard-working and patient and he loved teaching his grand- and great-grandkids.
Maurice was born on Oct. 4, 1931, in Lodge Pole, South Dakota, to parents William and Jessie (DeJong) Beld and was one of nine children. Maurice attended Sumas Christian School through eighth grade. He spent three years at the DeJong Ranch in South Dakota, then worked at Mt. Baker Plywood, Louws Construction and Van Boven Gravel, all as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver, until retirement at age 62. He continued to work part-time until 82.
Maurice married Irene Van Kooten on Aug. 12, 1955, in Lynden. Maurice was a co-founder and longtime member of the Puget Sound Antique Tractor & Machinery Association and a member at Third Christian Reformed Church.
Maurice is survived by his wife, Irene; children Duane (Bertha) Beld, Allan (Pat) Beld and Dean (Shelly) Beld; grandchildren Ryan, Jason, Justin, Scott, Austin, Alyssa and Angela; and 12 great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by siblings Johanna Broersma, Gladys VanDiest, Clarence Beld, Margaret (Jerry) Jacobs, Leo (Linda) Beld, Don (Ricki) Beld, Carol (Lewis) Stremler and Virginia (Bill) Stephan.
Visitation will be at noon Tuesday, Aug. 27, in Gillies Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at 1:15 p.m. in Monumenta Cemetery and then on to Third Church for the memorial service at 2 p.m.
Memorials may be sent to Lynden Christian Schools or Whatcom Hospice House.
A special thank-you is extended to caregivers Nancy, Andrea, Chrystal and Julie whose tenderness and compassion were treasured.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
