Roger Ter Wisscha, 60, longtime resident of Sunnyside, Washington, passed away late Sunday evening, Aug. 13, 2017, peacefully in his home, with his loving wife by his side.
Never a complainer, Roger would have wanted us to be joyful about the full life he lived rather than feel sadness for the loss we have experienced.
Born June 18, 1957, in Lynden to Ernie and Rosalie, Roger was one of six children. Roger is survived by his wife, Erika, and children Chad and Ashley. He is also survived by his parents and brothers, and several nieces and nephews.
He was a loving husband, dedicated father, caring brother and good friend to many. It was his love and devotion to family and church, along with his kindness, generosity and lifelong willingness to help that will always be remembered.
Roger was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent countless hours on the Nooksack River fishing for salmon. His family remembers him as a provider, always filling their plates with game, salmon, crab and a variety of vegetables from his garden. It was a garden that even in his absence is feeding the mouths of many in his church community.
There are countless stories, some that would warm your heart, some that would bring a tear to your eye, and some that would make you laugh from the bottom of your belly. Whether it was “not wasting any time” with the love of his life, eating cold tongue sandwiches for lunch, pulling a man from a burning truck, catching crabs off the beach with a pitch fork, or driving a hay truck like he stole it, it is certain that Roger lived a full life and touched the hearts of many. Those who knew him best were blessed to have learned many valuable lessons, the most important to live an honest life.
The family wishes to send a warm thank-you to Hospice of Sunnyside.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Go Fund Me account (https://www.gofundme.com/rogertw) that was established to help lessen the financial burden on Roger’s wife, Erika.
A celebration of Roger’s life was at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, in United Reformed Church of Sunnyside. A second service will be held at North County Christ the King church of Lynden at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29.
The family asks that you spend time with your children, take a walk with a loved one, celebrate friendships and not take one single moment of life for granted. Roger was a young man; he left us too soon. We are thankful for every moment and will forever long for a moment more. Those wishing to sign Roger’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com.
Smith Funeral Home of Sunnyside is in care of arrangements.
