Hank “Hinne” Boschma, of Everson, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017. He was 83.
One of eight children of Sijmen and Sjoerdje (DeJong) Boschma, Hank was born in Uitwellingerga, Friesland, the Netherlands, on June 29, 1934. Growing up on the family farm, Hank always wanted his own dairy. This desire led him to immigrate to Artesia, California, in December 1955. He worked as a milker for six years and during that time he saved his money to finance his dream.
Hank married the love of his life, Bernice Speerstra, on June 22, 1961 in Artesia. Together they had three children. They moved to Woodland, Washington, in 1962 and began their dairy business. In 1965 Hank and Bernice moved to Ridgefield, Washington, where through their strong work ethic they purchased their very own dairy farm. In 1979 they moved to Lynden, where they built their dream dairy farm. Hank and Bernice enjoyed the personal interaction of inviting the hay and grain salesmen into their home for coffee. Hank retired and sold the farm in 1996. He spent his remaining years in Everson on their hobby farm.
In his retirement years he enjoyed going to the Everson Auction Barn and having his daily coffee at McDonald’s with the guys. Hank was known for his strong belief in Jesus Christ; being a devoted husband, father and Pake; providing for his family and being an exceptional dairy farmer. He enjoyed working the land and growing vegetables and flowers in his garden. Hank and his beloved Bernice were able to travel all around the world, visiting many countries and almost every state. They faithfully attended Valley Church in Nooksack. What really brought a smile to Hank’s face was listening to the old hymns.
Hank was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Frank Boschma, Uiltje Boschma and Anne Boschma; and sisters Grace Brinksma, Anke Boschma and Foekje Boschma.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Bernice; daughter Gerry (Bruce) Kelly and their children Markelle and Calei; son Symon Boschma and his children Bonnie (Jordan) Hedlof, Josh Boschma and his daughter Autumn, and Annie (Derek) Tiemersma; and daughter Shirley (Dave) Rubbert and their children Dan (Janna) Rubbert, Janice Rubbert and Grant Rubbert. He will be greatly missed by his only living brother, Bouwe (Johanneske) Boschma.
You are invited to join family and friends for an 11:30 a.m. memorial service on Monday, Oct. 23, in Valley Church, 904 Nooksack Ave., Nooksack, with Pastor Kyle Hopkins officiating.
Memorials may be forwarded to the Lighthouse Mission Ministries, P.O. Box 548, Bellingham, WA 98227.
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.
