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Gerrit (George) BOONSTRA

June 9, 2003

My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

My body will also rest secure,

Because you will not abandon me to the grave.

Psalm 16:9-10a

On Monday, June 9, 2003, George Boonstra, peacefully joined the lord.

He is greatly missed by his family, his loving wife Grace; his children, Jacqui Boonstra of Chilliwack, Ron (Sandy) Boonstra of chilliwack, Linda (Will) Ryks of Edmonton, Alta., and James Boonstra of Vancouver; his grandchildren, Corey and Jason Lequereux, Chloe and Levi Boonstra, and Christopher, Matthew and Brianna Ryks; his brothers and sisters, Annie (Sid) Jaarsma of Abbotsford, Alice (Bill) Oomen of Smithers, Lolly (Wiebe) Meter of Holland, Stan (Joanne) Boonstra of Kelowna, Hans (Nancy) Boonstra of Smither, Geertje (Henk) de Haan of Holland, Jochum (Tryntje) Boonstra of Holland, and Pope Boonstra of Holland; and his sister-in-law Sljke van Bruggen of Holland.

George was born in Duurswoude, The Netherlands on April 30, 1934. On June 29, 1954 he immigrated to Canada where he found immense pleasure in the beauty of the mountains. He settled in Smithers, then moved to Duncan in 1981. He returned to Smithers in 1985 where he remained until retiring to Chilliwack in 2001. He worked in the automotive industry his entire life; as a mechanic, as a salesman, and as a partner in a variety of car dealerships.

George shared 46 years of marriage with Grace and was blessed by children and grandchildren, in whom he took great interest and joy. He accepted the Lord’s guidance in all his life’s blessings and hardships. His compassionate nature and generosity to others will forever inspire his family.

The family expresses their thanks and gratitude to the staff and doctors of the ICU2 at Vancouver General Hospital for their excellent care in George’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, 565 West 10th Ave., Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 4J4.

Interment took place at Chilliwack Cemeteries on Little Mountain, 10010 Hillcrest Dr., in Chilliwack.



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