Paul Roorda, age 77, passed away peacefully at home early Tuesday morning, Feb. 25, 2020, into the loving arms of his Savior.
Paul was born Feb. 13, 1943, in Buitenpost, the Netherlands, to parents Theo and Fanny (Koolstra). When Paul was 5, the family immigrated to the United States, settling in Everson, Washington.
On April 15, 1966, Paul married Cheryl Hoekema at their childhood Everson Christian Reformed Church. Together they began dairy farming on the Halverstick Road. There they raised their five children until a large barn fire in 1988. After a short break from farming, the family returned to the dairy business on Paul’s dad’s farm on Stickney Island Road. He was able to farm there alongside his sons and then work for Double B Farms until his death.
Paul attended Lynden Christian Schools. He was a member of Everson CRC for 60 years and currently a member of First Christian Reformed Church in Lynden. One of his greatest pleasures was being a husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. Paul was known to frequent many coffee shops throughout the years building many friendships over coffee. Even after the loss of his leg in 1969 and his first cancer diagnosis in 1996, Paul continued to be strong in his work ethic and faith. He tried to make the best of everything.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, brother John and niece Florene Reitsema.
Paul is survived by Cheryl, his wife of 53 years; children Renee (John) Giliam, Kent Roorda, Kimberly (Dave) Ryskamp, Brian (Cari) Roorda and Jodi (Brian) VanderPol; grandkids Kaylee (Josh), Theo, Mc-Kenzie, Grant, Thristan (Tara), Davis, Lane, Jaxon, Brinley, Macy, Lexi and Tori; and great-grandsons Tyson, Luke and Trent. He will be greatly missed by siblings Bessie Reitsma, Mike (Lin) Roorda and Larry (Jayne) Roorda; and many extended family and friends.
Visitation was Feb. 27 at Gillies Funeral Home and the memorial service was Feb. 29 in First Christian Reformed Church, with a gathering time immediately following at the fairgrounds Expo Building.
Memorials may be made to Whatcom County Hospice (whatcomhospice.org) or First Christian Reformed Church Building Fund, 1010 Front St., Lynden, WA 98264.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
