Roger John Blok
Roger John Blok, 66, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, went home to glory, surrounded by his family on March 6 after a hard-fought battle with Mesothelioma.
Roger was born the second of five children on Nov. 11, 1956 in Conrad, Montana to Jake and Margaret (Van Dyke) Blok. In 1961, the family settled in Monroe, Washington where Roger enjoyed working on the dairy farm.
In 1972, his family bought a dairy farm and moved to Lynden. He attended Lynden Christian High School, graduating in 1975 and the next year marrying Jackie Verbree on April 2, 1976.
They began their married life on the family farm and were blessed with two children, Heidi (1979) and David (1980). They would have celebrated their 47th anniversary this April.
In April 1981, Roger and Jackie purchased a dairy farm on the Beard Road and began farming on their own. The family continued to grow with five more children: Jacob (1982), Barbi (1983), Anna (1986), John (1989) and Kevin (1991).
Some might say that Roger didn’t get off the farm often, but he really didn’t have to. People were often stopping by, knowing Roger would listen, and, if they were fortunate, offer a word of advice.
In addition to farming, Roger enjoyed basketball, camping, water skiing, coffee time and catching up with family (he rarely missed a Van Dyke reunion).
Roger was a faithful church member, serving as deacon and elder, and was a current member of Lynden United Reformed Church. Roger loved his Lord, his family, and his calling as a farmer, devoting himself to each one.
Roger was known for his quiet demeanor and integrity in business, but was always quick to give God the glory.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Margaret, parents-in-law, Dick and Hermina Verbree and niece, Jesi Blok.
Roger is survived by his wife Jackie; children and grandchildren Heidi and Tim (Kaitlyn, Mackenzie), David and Wendy (Sam), Jake and Wendy (George, Roger, Joyce, Hank, Brody), Barbi and Justice (Jaclyn, Trevor, Delaney), Anna and Tony (Kendal, Avery, Jase, Haley), John, Kevin and Jill (Noelle, Peter); his siblings Lee (Mili), Marilyn (Frank), Ed (Denise), Dale (Trischa); and siblings-in-law Barb (Andy), Martin (Juanita), Alice (Louis) and numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Memorials in Roger’s name may be made to Lynden URC for missionary Rev. Bill Green/CLIR.
The memorial service took place on Saturday, March 11 at Lynden United Reformed Church.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
