John Lanting peacefully passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, July 8 at Chilliwack General Hospital at age 71. John was born on December 10, 1937 in Friesland Province of the Netherlands. He emigrated to Canada with his family in 1952 and they settled in the Fraser Valley. He worked various jobs including a time with the Canadian Pacific Railroad but ended up at the Agassiz Research Station in the Horticulture section and stayed there until retirement 34 years later. John’s passion was gardening, both vegetables and flowers (especially Dahlias), and he was active with the Agassiz Fall Fair. His church and faith were very important to him as was his family. In his last years, his health was compromised by COPD and his greatest joy became visits from his grandchildren.
John was predeceased by his parents Klass and Klaske, brother Sidney, father-in-law Ben Boer, son-in-law Peter, brother-in-law Richard and sister-in-law Ina.
John is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ena; children: Yvonne (Doug), Dave (Kiley), Chris (Tina) and Jeff (Karina); brothers Henry (Alma), Mike (Anne) and sister Sylvia (John); and 9 grandchildren: Sharra-Lynn, Nicholas, Kalisa, Cassidy, Tyson, Margarita, Carter, Hayden and Roman, as well as mother-in-law Anne Boer and many brothers and sisters in-law, nieces and nephews. John was a wonderful husband, Dad and Grandpa; he may not be with us here any longer but will forever live in our hearts.
A graveside service will be held at 12:30 pm, July 13 at Valley View Cemetery in Agassiz followed by a church service at Agassiz Christian Reformed Church, 7452 Morrow Road, Agassiz, at 2:00 pm. Memorial donations may be made to the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee in lieu of flowers.
Online condolences can be left at www.hendersonsfunerals.com