Wilfred “Will” Maas, age 68, passed away Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, the result of a tragic traffic accident. He was known for being big and strong, fun-loving and goofy. Nothing brought him more joy than his children and grandchildren.
Will was born on Nov. 23, 1948 in Geddes, South Dakota, to parents Simon and Susie (Westra) Maas. The Maas family then moved to Lynden in 1954 where Will attended Lynden Christian Schools.
Will worked for Bedlington Farms and Mt. Baker Plywood, and drove truck before joining Intalco from which he retired after 32 years.
Will married Joan Zylstra on Dec. 12, 1980 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Together they had five children.
He was very competitive in hunting and fishing, and he enjoyed hiking and woodworking. Will was known for his great smile and work ethic. He liked to go on drives with Joan and the family, and was generous with his time and talents.
Will was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Dorothy Zylstra and sister-in-law Karen Zylstra.
Will is survived by his wife of 36 years, Joan; children Michael (Jen) Maas and their children Lola, Silas and Alden; Jill (Brad) Mumm and their children Jackson and Grace; Aaron (Jen) Maas and their children Julianne, Ashlyn, Roslyn and Brianne; Todd Maas and Megan (Scott) Ervin. He will be missed by brothers Merlyn (Chris) Maas, Vernon (Viney) Maas and Alvin (Sharon) Maas; brothers-in-law Joe (Barb) Zylstra, Jerry (Meredith) Zylstra and Jim Zylstra; sisters-in-law Janis Zylstra and Jill (Randy) Davis; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Services were held honoring Will on Friday, Feb. 24, in First Christian Reformed Church, Lynden, with Pastor Robert Woodyard officiating. Interment was in Monumenta Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Whatcom County Search and Rescue, 1041 W. Smith Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226.
You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
