It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing away of our dear husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Johan “Joe” denBok at the age of 79 years old on Thursday, July 5, 2012. Joe was born in Almskerk, the Netherlands on May 10, 1933. He first came to Canada in 1957 and officially immigrated with his wife in 1960. Besides his loving wife of 52 years, Pia Dam; he is survived by his children, Art (Joanne), Trudy Vandebeek, Ken (Joanne), Annette (Art) Van Maren, Marcelle (Henry) Vandeweerd, Monica (Abraham) Vanderwaal, Els (Brian) Bilkes: 45 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 1 sister, Diitje van Rijswijk-denBok; 2 brothers Piet and Laurens denBok all from the Netherlands. He was predeceased by his parents, Aart and Anna; parents in-law Cornelius and Hendrika Dam; sister Paula Smits; brother Adriaan denBok; infant son and daughter; infant grandchild. Condolences will be held between 7-8:30pm on Monday, July 9, 2012 at the Bethel Netherlands Reformed Church of Chilliwack. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at the Bethel Netherlands Reformed Church, with Reverend P. Van Ruitenburg officiating. Interment will follow at Chilliwack Cementaries, Chilliwack, BC. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the BNRC Care Home.
Dad owned Sardis Bakery for many years. He valued his friendships with all his employees, customers and suppliers. He worked tirelessly for many years in God’s Service as an elder in the church. He loved to visit the people and continued to do so after he stepped down from his office. His desire was to serve God and he loved to sing His praises. His daily burden was for the salvation of his children and grandchildren whom he brought before the throne of grace daily in prayer. His message to family and friends and to all people would be the words found in the Holy Scriptures 2 Peter 1 verses10,11: “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.