Peter Blankers

Born and raised on the family farm in Lynden, Peter Herbert Blankers moved into his heavenly home on Wednesday, Feb. 16.

Pete was born on April 27, 1933, to Gerrit and Gladys (Stuurmans) Blankers. At age 7, he became his father‘s helper, milking cows and farm chores. Here Pete learned a strong work ethic, sang hymns with his father, and daily wisdom. Traits that remain for his lifetime. 

Pete attended Ebenezer School and Lynden High school. He graduated in 1951. Pete enjoyed sports, sang in a quartet, and played and coached fast pitch. 

Pete married Tilly Buma on May 15, 1952. They eventually had their own dairy farm, were active in church and community, and raised four successful children.

Desiring to be able to share his faith and love of Christ with others, in January 1975, he sold the farm and began a 40-year career in real estate. Pete became owner and managing broker of SSK Real Estate (now Muljat Group North). 

Through his leadership, working with sons Jerry and Rod, and many agents, Pete was successful and respected throughout the industry.

Pete humbly accepted a lifetime achievement award from the Whatcom County Association of Realtors in 2011.

On Oct. 30, 2014, and his retiring after a 40-year career, Mayor Scott Korthuis proclaimed Oct. 30, 2014 Peter Hubert Blankers Day. 

Pete helped thousands of families find homes. He was founder and charter member of Lynden Downtown Business Association, and a founding member of Whatcom Land Title.

Pete was a founding member of two Lynden churches and served on church boards for over 50 years.

Pete taught Sunday school to high school boys sharing his spiritual knowledge and life earned wisdom.

Pete used his God-given talents to support others. He lived his faith, encouraged, mentored and leaves a great legacy of love to his family.  

After his wife Tilly died in 1992, Pete poured himself into his church, work and family. But God had other plans. He met Glenda “Gigi” Coupe and they married Oct. 2, 1993. They blended their families and enjoyed 28 years together. 

Pete loved every child, step-child, 24 grandchildren, and 16 greats. They brought smiles, and even some tears, but were prayed for often.

He shared his stories, his wisdom, his faith and love.

 While raising his family and working so diligently he didn’t have time for many extra activities, but attended games and supported the kids in their activities. So proud of each one.  

Pete and Gigi were able to enjoy road trips all over the US. Gigi drove and Pete navigated. So many memories but most important was their love of others. Pete started each day with a positive attitude, looking upward and outward, not downward and inward”. 

Pete was preceded in death by parents Gerrit and Gladys Blankers, first wife, Tilly Blankers, brothers Arnold and Gary Blankers, grandson Richard Blankers Jr., in-laws Gus and Grace Buma, Leo and Norma Gibbs, brothers-in-law Fred Polinder and Don Gibbs, along with many other relatives. 

Pete will be greatly missed by his loving wife Gigi; children Connie (Joel) Doornenbal of Sedro Woolley and Peoria, AZ, Jerry Blankers of Lynden, Rod (Nicole) Blankers of Lynden, Rich Blankers of Eureka, MT, Cecil Coupe Boise, ID, Larry (Laura Gallo) Coupe of Port Townsend, WA, Greg (Krista) Coupe of Colorado Springs, CO, and Kim (Eric) Stalder of Bellingham WA, plus all those loved grandchildren.

Pete is also survived by sisters Glenda Polinder and Helen (Peter Wayne) Plagerman, in-laws Norene Gibbs of Manson, WA, and Marilyn and Dave Harder of Gold Canyon, AZ and many nephews, nieces, cousin, and friends. 

And by the way, Pete’s well-lived life will be honored at a family graveside committal at Monumenta Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life service at Faith Community Church, 586 Birch Bay Lynden Road, Lynden on Friday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. 

Memorial donations may be made to Faith Community Church youth or building fund or a charity of your choice. 

A special thanks to Pete’s Whatcom Hospice home care team and other friends and neighbors for such caring love and support to Pete, Gigi, and family these past months. He loved you all. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.