Alvin Gordon "Al" Haak

Alvin "Al" Gordon Haak, age 88 of Lynden, went home to his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 5, 2011. He was born to John A. and Elizabeth (Droog) Haak on April 20, 1923 in Hull, North Dakota where he grew-up attending school through 10th grade. He was a member of the Hull Christian Reformed Church. On September 25, 1943 Al was married to Irene Cleveringa in Hull, ND and together they raised four children. As a farmer, farm equipment became Al's focus; working with tractors, threshing rigs and later combines. In the mid-50's Al and Irene moved their family to Lynden where they farmed on the Vinup Road. Later, Al worked at Van's Hardware; learning the electrical trade which evolved into his own business, Al's Electric and Plumbing in 1968. The business remains in the family to this day. Following the death of Irene in January 1977, Al was married to Etta (Roelofs) Schuitema on July 15, 1980. With a heart for the Lord, he exemplified his faith as a business man; as a daily prayer warrior for his precious family; and was a member of United Reformed Church where he served as an elder. In semi-retirement, Al enjoyed gardening and traveling for relaxation and recreation. Preceded in death by his wife Irene; grandson, Dennis Haak and brother-in-law, Clarence Plagerman; Al is survived by his loving wife, Etta; children Alice (Larry) Bosman, Gordon (Marilyn) Haak, Allen (Kim) Haak and Sheryl (Brad) DeHaan; step-children Cheryl (Paul) VanDyken, Randy (Susan) Schuitema and Cindy (John) Backstrom; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters Edith Plagerman of Lynden and Lois Hollaar of Crestwood, IL. Visitation hours are scheduled Wednesday, June 8, 6 to 8 pm at Gillies Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted Thursday, June 9, 1 pm at Monumenta Cemetery followed by a 2 pm memorial service at First Reformed Church, 610 Grover St. in Lynden. Memorials in Al's name are suggested to: Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 800 E. Chestnut St. C-1, Bellingham, WA 98225 or United Reformed Church, Building Fund, 8650 Benson Rd. or Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Dr., both of Lynden, WA 98264. You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home of Lynden