Nicolaas L. Honcoop, age 80, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016. Nicolaas was born Aug. 22, 1936 in Zevenhuizen, Holland to Nicolaas and Cornelia (Vander Horst) Honcoop.
In 1950 the family immigrated on the Queen Mary to the United States. He attended Lynden Christian School through 8th grade, then began his career as a dairy farmer. Nicolaas married Ann Poortinga on April 29, 1960 and they were married 25 years. In 1964 Nicolaas bought the Clearbrook Dairy where he farmed until retirement in 1991. Even in retirement, he continued to work for other farmers, feeding calves and harvesting feed for his daughter and son-in-law. He always had music playing in the calf barn.
Nicolaas drove school bus 10 years for Lynden Christian School. He was known for making the best Dutch olie bollen, even removing the raisins for the ladies he loved. He liked woodworking, choir, square dancing, puzzles and volunteering at CBI Prison Ministries. It was while square dancing that he met Roberta Larson and they were married on July 13, 1985.
Nicolaas was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Joe, Len, Maurice, Jim and Bill; and stepdaughter Stephanie Larson.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Roberta; daughter Debbie (Robert) Smit; son Don Honcoop of Michigan; stepson Dan (Jaimie) Larson; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He will be missed by sisters Nellie Voskuilen, Marie (Hank) Tjoelker, Louisa (Ken) Haveman, and Toni Tjoelker; sister-in-law Robin Hatten; brother-in-law Russell Powers; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In honor of Nicolaas, a time of visitation was held on Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 in Gillies Funeral Home. The graveside committal was held on Saturday, Oct. 29, in Monumenta Cemetery followed by the memorial service in Second Christian Reformed Church, 113 Eighth St., Lynden, with Pastor Ben de Regt officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Crossroads Bible Institute, P.O. Box 900, Grand Rapids, MI 49509; or the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.
You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Lynden.
