Peter Dykstra

  Peter “Pete” Dykstra, of Lynden, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2020.
  Pete was known as a proud family man and for his Oliver tractor collection. He was a great role model to his family and friends.
  Pete was born Feb. 11, 1933, in Lynden to parents Oscar and Catherine (Matter) Dykstra. When Pete was 13 his dad bought the first family tractor, a 1947 Oliver 70, for their Wiser Lake Road farm of 60 acres. This is when the love of Olivers began for Pete. In 1973 he brought home his own first Oliver, a 28-44 Hart-Parr from Alberta. As his collection grew, Pete was very proud to buy back his dad’s Oliver 70. He enjoyed sharing his collection of many tractors with his family and was proud to attend the annual tractor shows at Berthusen Park and to participate in local parades.
  Pete married the love of his life, Joanne Polinder, on April 14, 1953. They were a couple full of fun, love and support that many looked up to. This week Tuesday, April 14, they would have celebrated their 67 years of marriage.
  Pete drove truck for Mt. Baker Fuel, Lynden Transport Inc., and 17 years for Mobil before retiring from maintenance at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in 1991.
  Pete enjoyed traveling and camping with family and friends. He had an eye for collecting antique tractors, trucks and cars. In his younger years Pete enjoyed working with draft horses whether training, plowing, hitching, showing or judging. In 1970 he won Lynden’s International Plowing Match. Pete always gave his best effort.
  Pete was preceded in death by son Roger Dykstra, sister Janet Beld, daughter-in-law Linda Dykstra and brother-in-law Dwight Dykes.
  Pete is survived by children Duane “Duke” Dykstra (Peggy) and Mark Dykstra (Debbie); grandchildren Jackie Abercrombie (Jake), Ryan Dykstra (Jenny), Brian Dykstra (Vanessa), Tyler Dykstra, Brenda Marks (Chris), Jody Dykstra and Calvin Dykstra (Melissa); great-grandchildren Taryn Abercrombie, Denten Abercrombie, Aidan Abercrombie, Tate Dykstra, Trent Dykstra and Weston Marks. He will be greatly missed by his siblings Greta Lukorich (Charles), Kathy Vander Meulen (Henry), Helen Dykes, Glen Huleatt and Leo Beld (Linda); along with numerous other family and friends.
  A private family graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, with a public memorial service to be at a later date.
  Memorials are suggested to Faith Reformed Church, 300 Seventh St., Lynden, WA 98264.
  Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.