Harry ‘Hub’ DeJong

  Harry “Hub“ DeJong, age 87, of Lynden, was reunited once again with Esther, the love of his life, in the early morning hours of Sept. 26, 2015, when the Lord peacefully called him Home. Hub was born on Nov. 30, 1927, in Sneek, Holland, to Clarence and Elizabeth DeJong. When he was 3 months old, he moved with his family to Lynden.
  In August 1949 Hub married Esther and they were blessed with three children: Brad DeJong, Karla (Rich) Witman and Wade (Corrine) DeJong, all of Whatcom County. The joy of Hub’s life were his seven grandchildren: Blake (Jennifer) Witman, Lesha (Nate) Simmons, Leslie (Brian) Burhenn, Jared (Danielle) Witman, Jenna (Salvala) Tijerina, Stacey (Adam) Hoogerhyde and Dillon DeJong and his six great-grandchildren: Kyla and Lucas Witman, Jaden, Raya and Brynsly Tijerina and Ruger Witman, all of whom survive him along with his brother, Bill DeJong, of Seattle.
  Hub was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dirk DeJong; and his beloved wife of 65 years, Esther.
  In 1943 at the age of 16 Hub began his truck driving career with Bert Van Ry and in 1950 Hub became a member of the LTI/Milky Way family, where he remained for 40 years until his retirement. Hub loved being a truck driver and loved driving his favorite Kenworth number 39 or as Dad called it, “old dirty nine.”
  The combination of Hub’s love of sports and kids prompted him to start the Lynden Youth Sports organization as it exists today. Hub and Esther gave countless hours to ensure that this program met the needs of all youth in the community. Hub took great pride in knowing that his efforts through LYS helped contribute to the successes of both the Lynden and Lynden Christian sports programs, which presently have 47 state titles combined. Hub was also a driving force in the development of what is now Bender Fields. Over the years, Hub received countless awards for his dedication to the youth of Whatcom County.
  Hub loved sports; he was an avid fan of the Mariners and the Seahawks and was a 39-year Husky football season-ticket holder. Hub was a diehard supporter of the Lynden Lions, working the chain gang at football games for 43 years and being a basketball court monitor for 30 years. Dad’s involvement and dedication to his community has never gotten in the way of his love and devotion for his family. He supported his kids and grandkids in all of their activities, rarely missing a concert, play, recital or game.
  As a family, we thank the Cedar Cove Staff at the Christian Healthcare Center for the love and exceptional care that they provided for Dad during his stay there. A special thank you to Kristine and Mary Ann who day in and day out loved our Dad as their own “papa.” Your love for Hub will never be forgotten.
  The Hub and Esther DeJong Memorial Fund has been set up to help continue the legacy which Dad and Mom began many years ago to support Lynden kids in all extra-curricular activities. Donations in Hub’s memory can be made to the Hub and Esther DeJong Memorial Fund c/o Corrine DeJong, 1103 E. Grover St., Suite B, Lynden, WA 98264.
  A viewing and visitation time will be on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, from 5 to 7 p.m., in Gillies Funeral Home. Hub’s Memorial Service will be 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, in Second Christian Reformed Church, 113 Eighth St., Lynden.
  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.