Edward “Ed” Speelman was born on Nov. 12, 1926, in Oppenhuizen, Friesland, the Netherlands. He went home to his LORD on Jan. 4, 2019.
Ed lived through the German occupation, then served his country in the Dutch Marines. He was shipped to Indonesia during the tumultuous years of 1946 to 1949. Ed married Tena de Jong on Oct. 23, 1951, and immigrated to the United States, sponsored by his brother Pete; they settled in southern California in 1952. They moved to Everson in 1958 and acquired their Alm Road dairy. Ed also farmed in Sumas and Lynden. After retiring from farming, he enjoyed part-time jobs at Blue Diamond, Van Wingerden Nursery and the Custer feed store.
Ed was always ready to talk to anyone! He was an avid coffee buddy at McDonald’s and an enthusiastic sports fan cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He attended several Huskies, Seahawks and Mariners games. His all-time favorite sport was European soccer. Yeah, Holland! Ed was a faithful member of Nooksack Valley Reformed Church for 60 years where he served as an elder, deacon and Sunday school teacher.
Ed was a caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He shared 67 years of marriage with Tena, who survives him at the Christian Health Care Center. His children are: Rea (Bernie) Korthuis, Margaret (Matt) Schilperoort, Dorothy (Scott) Polinder, Harry Speelman and Lois (Mark) Lovrien. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; his sister Trienke in the Netherlands; sisters-in-law Shirley Speelman and Dorothy Dykstra; and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed!
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Christopher Polinder.
The family thanks the wonderful staff of Whatcom County Hospice and Christian Health Care Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whatcom County Hospice, 2806 Douglas Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225; and the Lighthouse Mission, 910 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14, in Nooksack Valley Reformed Church, 602 E. Second St., Nooksack.
Please share your thoughts and memories of Ed online at www.sigsfuneralservices.com.
