John Henry VanBerkum was called by Jesus to join Him in heaven on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 while surrounded by his loving family after a seven-year courageous battle with cancer. John was a strong man of faith and a dedicated Husband, Father and Papa. John had the joy of Jesus in his heart and with his quiet, calm demeanor he touched many lives, making friends at the UW Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance where he was receiving his treatment.
John was born on Dec. 9, 1959 in Bellflower, California, to Tom and Sylvia VanBerkum. He was the oldest of eight children. John grew up on a farm in Bakersfield where his life-long interest in farming began. He graduated in 1977 from Arvin High School. He then moved with his family when his father purchased a dairy farm in Everson, Washington. John married his best friend and the love of his life, Cindy Bos, on July 9, 1982. During their 35 years of marriage, John and Cindy bought a dairy farm on Hopewell Road near Everson where they happily farmed together and were blessed with four wonderful children. A lifelong dairy farmer, he farmed with passion with his family working as a team. He loved farming, his employees and the relationships he built with the farm service community. He retired two years ago with grace. In his free time, John enjoyed taking walks around Lake Padden, spending many summer days on the lake, water skiing with his kids, and snow skiing in the winter with his friends.
John was preceded in death by his nephew Jordan VanBerkum, niece Katrina VanBerkum, father-in-law George Bos and brother-in-laws Jerry Bos and Doug Bos.
John is survived by his devoted wife, Cindy; his children Kim (Aaron) Dukehart, Dara (Matt) Scheffer, Chad (Kacy) VanBerkum and Kassidy (Marc) Taylor; granddaughters Sawyer Leona VanBerkum, Bexley Pearl Scheffer and baby girl Dukehart, due in January; parents Tom and Sylvia VanBerkum; siblings Mike (Jennifer) VanBerkum, Anne (Will) Sytsma, Jeanette (Jim) Frey, Theo (Cheryl) VanBerkum, Harold (Keven) VanBerkum, Henry (Tracy) VanBerkum, and Tom (Brooke) VanBerkum; mother-in-law Leona Bos; in-laws Kathy Bos, Den (Nettie) Bos, Diane Bos, Sandy (Keith) TeSelle and Georgia (Jerry) DeBruin; and many nieces and nephews.
You are invited to join family and friends for visitation from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, in the Sumas Christian Reformed Church at 700 Sumas Ave., with burial following in Sumas Cemetery at 2 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, in First Reformed Church of Lynden at 610 Grover St., with Pastor Ryan Bajema and Pastor Ken Van Kooten officiating.
Donations in John’s memory can be made to the John VanBerkum Memorial Fund, benefiting John’s niece Tami and husband Drew Namminga’s adoption, at an account set up at Peoples Bank.
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.
