John Smit, 81, of rural Ferndale, passed from this life to be with the Lord on Friday, May 19, 2017.
He was born on July 19, 1935 near Brooten, Minnesota, to Peter and Hilda (Zylstra) Smit, and grew up on his parents’ farm in that community. He graduated from Brooten High School and then completed his military service obligation in the U.S. Army.
John moved with his parents to Whatcom County in 1961. Here he was a dairy farmer, operating a farm on Northwest Road for many years with his brother Harry. John was a faithful member of First Christian Reformed Church in Lynden where he served for a time as a deacon. He gave many hours as a volunteer at Lynden Christian School’s paper baler and the Second Chance store as well as with other charitable organizations. John was a dear friend to his nephews, nieces, their families and many other people to whom he extended his warm friendship and care.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers George, Harry and Harold; and sister Emma Gibson.
John is survived by 19 nephews and nieces and their families; two sisters-in-law, Bertha and Revah Smit; and many cousins.
Special thanks is due to those members of First Christian Reformed Church who faithfully transported John to dialysis three times a week for the past several years, and to the staff at Mt. Baker Kidney Center in Bellingham for their attention to John while he was under their care.
Graveside services will be held in Monumenta Cemetery of Lynden for family and friends at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, and a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening in First Christian Reformed Church, 1010 Front St., Lynden, with Rev. Robert Woodyard officiating.
Memorials in John’s memory may be made to Back to God Ministries International, 1700 28th St. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49508.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.sigsfuneralservices.com.
