HARRY DEJONG

HARRY DEJONG obituary

HARRY DEJONG

HARRY DEJONG Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province from Feb. 8 to Feb. 9, 2014.
Harry DeJong
March 25, 1932 – February 6, 2014
Harry was born in the Netherlands in 1932 where he grew up on a dairy farm. In 1947, after World War II, he immigrated to Canada with his parents and siblings. They settled in the Abbotsford area and established themselves in the local farming industry. In 1950 Harry met his future wife, Ann. They were married in 1954 and started their lives together on a dairy farm in Deroche where Harry successfully built his farming business. While they lived there, Harry and Ann had four children: Joan, Colleen, Ted and Valerie. In the spring of 1962 they moved to Matsqui, continued dairy farming and welcomed their fifth child, Cameron, to the family.
Harry was grateful for all that Canada had done to liberate the Netherlands during WWII and as a result he had a strong desire to contribute to his community and his new country. He served on the church council and the Abbotsford Christian School Board. He also served as a Director for the MSA General Hospital (now the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Center), the Matsqui Pool Association and the Matsqui Police Board. With the encouragement of many in the Matsqui community Harry ran for political office serving as alderman (1971 – 1975) and Mayor (1975-1987) for the District of Matsqui. In 1987 Harry was elected MLA for the Social Credit Party. He served in Victoria for several years including a position as Minister of Agriculture and Aquaculture. Following his retirement from politics he continued to contribute to the community in many ways: the Agri-Fair Association being one of his favourite organizations where he served as President for many years. In 2013 Harry was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community. In all areas of service, Harry has been lauded for his honesty, integrity and compassion. Harry treasured time spent with family. He enjoyed working, fishing, travelling and socializing with his immediate and extended family. Birthday and anniversary celebrations honouring family members were opportunities to give thanks to God for His goodness. Harry's life was characterized by his love for the Lord, his love for his wife and family, and his love for the community. Harry was pre-deceased by his parents, Tienus and Jeltje, and his older brother, John. He is survived by his wife, Ann; daughters Joan (Tom) LeMahieu, Colleen (Bryan) Gingerich, Valerie (Gerald) Veltkamp; sons Ted (Greta) DeJong and Cameron (Angela) DeJong; 9 Grandchildren: DJ (Jordan Freeman) LeMahieu, Denver (Naomi Barrettara) Gingerich , Travis Gingerich, Jonathan Veltkamp, Breanna Veltkamp, Tyler (Stephanie) DeJong, Jared DeJong, Lexi DeJong and Kasi DeJong; 3 great- grandchildren Lily, Willow and Henry DeJong; 3 brothers Henry (Tieny), Ted (Ida) and Ed (Rhea) DeJong, and 5 sisters Jenny Jansen, Ann (Albert) Kampman, Corrie (Bill) Kampman, Gert Hoogendoorn, Alice (John) Dieleman; as well as many nieces and nephews. The family is very grateful for Dr. Bull, the nurses, staff, and volunteers at Cascade Hospice (Chilliwack) for the loving care they provided to Harry in his final days. A memorial service to celebrate Harry's life will be held, Thursday, February 13th at 2:00 p.m. at Gateway Community Christian Reformed Church, 2884 Gladys Ave, Abbotsford. Donations in memory of Harry may be made to: Food for the Hungry, FH Canada www.fhcanada.org or the Abbotsford Christian School Endowment Fund www.abbotsfordchristian.com.
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February 11, 2014

Cindy Rowell posted to the memorial.

February 10, 2014

Herman Jansen posted to the memorial.

February 10, 2014

jitske frankema de jong posted to the memorial.

10 Entries

Cindy Rowell

February 11, 2014

I was deeply saddened by the news of Harry`s passing. Harry gave so much to our community.
He will be forever remembered and respected for his outstanding service, dedication, commitment and loyalty in this community.
To the Family: Please accept my heart felt sympathies for your loss. Harry always looked forward to the family times. He was so proud of his family!. At this sad and difficult time my thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
To Ann: I know that during this time of sadness you are surrounded by your family. May the sorrow you are feeling in your heart be lighten by the love that surrounds you. I know that this love will help you through the days ahead. What I am feeling right now is hard to put into words, and although no words can really help to ease your loss, just know that you are very close in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God will give you the strength to see you through this sad and difficult time
Your husband was an exceptional, wonderful person. I will be forever grateful for knowing him. He was a great man and a great friend.

Herman Jansen

February 10, 2014

Thinking about you all.

jitske frankema de jong

February 10, 2014

Rust in vrede
Neef van mijn vader Hein de jong .

Tom Hoogendoorn

February 9, 2014

Uncle Harry was a great inspiration to me. I looked up to him for advice and received very passionate advice. Was a great roke model family man and Christian

Les Mitchell

February 9, 2014

Harry to me was one the finest men I had the pleasure of meeting in the 70's. As mayor of Matsqui I found him at times to be a hard police contract negociator but a very fair and honest man. Very well liked and respected by members of the Matsqui police Dept.He was my favorite and always will be. I have very fond memories of him during his term as mayor. He was a great supporter and friend of the force.
God bless him.

February 9, 2014

Harry, the ultimate role model,left his mark and amazing legacy in many fields of endeavour.In his lifetime he gave so much to family, friends,community and country. Marlene and I are very privileged to have known and associated with Harry. We extend our sincere sympathies to the family.
J.O. Trethewey

Jay & Shelli Cumbers

February 9, 2014

It was a pleasure to know the man even from the limited times we had the pleasure to meet and talk with him. He has left behind a legacy of both actions and family that will allow us to remember him ongoing

Rick Rake

February 8, 2014

It was an honour to know Harry DeJong over the years in his various political and community roles. To his family, Kathleen and I wish our deepest condolences. We had an opportunity to know his kindness and his intergrity. RIP Harry.

February 8, 2014

Dear Colleen & Bryan , Denver & Travis ...our caring thoughts & sympathy to you & your family. We recall our warm welcome from your parents & family when we visited . Your father truly was a gentleman. May you share memories with tears & with laughter during these days. love & prayers .Stu & Ruth Ann . (Ontario )

February 8, 2014

My sympathies to the family of Harry DeJong. My dad, William Beetstra, was his first cousin, I believe.

Alana P. Mann (nee Beetstra

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Sign HARRY DEJONG's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 11, 2014

Cindy Rowell posted to the memorial.

February 10, 2014

Herman Jansen posted to the memorial.

February 10, 2014

jitske frankema de jong posted to the memorial.