The Lord chose Oct. 26, 2024 to call Harold Edward Terpstra “Terp” to his eternal home.
Born Feb. 25, 1942 to Erwin and Johanna (Polinder) Terpstra, Harold was the eldest of four children.
After graduating from Lynden Christian High School and Calvin College, he received his masters in chemistry from WWU.
Harold and his wife, Mavis (Kredit) were gifted with 62 years of marriage and four children: Brenda, David, Greg (Nicole), and Grant (Renee’). Their very special grandchildren are: Peyton (Aiden), Morgan, Sydney, Logan, Sadie, Luke, Cody, and Sarah.
A passionate teacher and lifelong learner, Harold taught high school science, in Bellevue, Tokyo, Japan, and locally at Lynden Christian. He left teaching to join his brother and uncle in running Ferndale Grain Co. after his father, Erwin, had a major stroke.
When the company was later sold, Harold gladly returned to teaching. For 23 years, he substitute taught for Mt. Baker, Lynden, and Lynden Christian schools. He loved the kids, he loved teaching and was sad to retire at 80 yrs old.
Harold and Mavis felt privileged to spend many years working together around the country for World Renew Disaster Relief. He cherished time with family, friends, his church family, and the special men in his Saturday morning “Weaklings” Bible study group.
Harold is survived by his brother Gord (Cheryl) Terpstra, sister Doris (Bob) Libolt, in-laws Nella Terpstra, Jean VanDalfsen, Harlan Kredit, Jim and Carolyn Wynstra, Bill and Eleanor Rietkerk, and many dearly loved nephews and nieces.
Harold is proceeded in death by his parents Erwin and Jo, his parents in-law Tim and Florence Kredit, his brother Bob, brothers-in-law Albert VanDalfsen, Barry Blankers, and sisters-in-law Clarice Blankers and Linda Kredit.
On Monday, Nov. 4, a family graveside burial will take place at 1 p.m. at Lynden’s Monumenta Cemetery, followed by a 2 p.m. memorial service at Second Christian Reformed Church in Lynden for all who wish to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lynden Christian’s Tuition Assistance Fund or to World Renew Disaster Relief.
Funeral arrangements by Gillies Funeral Home.
