Nick Vander Veen went to be with his Lord on Sunday morning, Dec. 11, 2016 at the age of 84.
He was born in Twijzel, Freisland, the Netherlands, to John and Christine Vander Veen on April 17, 1932. He immigrated to the United States when he was 15 years old and settled in Lynden with his parents and siblings in 1947. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, stationed in Germany. Once out of the Army, he returned to Lynden and married Juella Bajema in 1955. Together they purchased a farm on the Pang-born Road near Lynden and raised five children. Farming was his passion, and his love for it was instilled in his three sons, who all followed him into farming. After his wife Juella and his brother Ted passed away in 2001, the Lord brought Joanne Vander Veen into his life, whom he married in 2003.
Nick loved to spend his free time volunteering at the paper baler for the Lynden Christian Schools and attending the many events of his children and grandchildren. He was also an active member, elder and deacon at First Christian Reformed Church and a recent member of Sonlight Community CRC in Lynden.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Nick loved to spend time with his 11 grandchildren, 12 step-grandchildren, one great-grandchild and one step-great-grandchild, and was looking forward to the arrival of his newest great-grandchild due in March.
He is survived by his wife Joanne; his children, Sharon (Bob) Visser, Ron, Larry (Beth), Tim (Mindy) and Tammy (Tim) Holleman; stepchildren John (Kristi), Glenda (Steve) Johnston, Lisa (Bruce) Stadt, and Kevin (Wendi); his siblings, Hank (Anjean), Anna Groen, Margaret (Bill) Visser, Jim (Tina) and John (Diane); and numerous other relatives including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Juella; his father John and mother Christine; his brother Ted, and his brother-in-law Gerrit Groen.
Nick is best known for his quiet demeanor and faithful hard-working spirit.
You are invited for a time of visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, in Gillies Funeral Home. An 11:15 a.m. graveside committal will be on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 in Monumenta Cemetery followed by a memorial service at Sonlight Christian Reformed Church of Lynden at noon.
In lieu of flowers, Nick has requested that donations to be made to Lynden Christian Schools or a charity of your choice.
You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
