Simon Vanderkooy Obituary

Simon Vanderkooy, age 70, of Meridian passed away peacefully in his home on Jan. 10, 2009, of natural causes. A Funeral Service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Ten Mile Community Church, 4440 E. Columbia Rd. in Meridian with Pastor John Kingry officiating. Burial will follow at the Kuna Cemetery. The family will greet loved ones and friends at the Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, 404 10th Ave. So., Nampa (466-3545) on Wednesday evening, Jan. 14, from 6 – 8 p.m.
Simon was born in Slootdorp, Netherlands on Nov 6, 1938. He farmed in the Meridian/Kuna area for 34 years. Simon and his wife Mary grew up in the Netherlands, moving to Brazil in 1963. In November 1965, Simon and Mary immigrated to the United States. The couple lived briefly in Chino, Calif. before moving to southern Idaho in 1970. In 1974, he achieved a life long dream of owning his own farm. Simon and Mary raised their daughter, Ingrid and sons, Ralph, Ronald, and Brian on the family farm in Meridian. Simon eventually expanded the farm to encompass 280 acres and 200 dairy cows. In later years, Simon enjoyed being a semi-retired farmer and being active in the Men's Ministry at Ten Mile Community Church in Meridian. He dedicated his time during the Christmas season to ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at the Paul's IGA Grocery in Kuna.
Simon was preceded in death by his parents, Jochem and Jannetje Vanderkooy and brother Arie Vanderkooy. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary Vanderkooy, his children and their spouses, Ingrid and Shannon Coats, Ralph and Danielle Vanderkooy, Ronald and Emily Vanderkooy, and Brian and Amber Vanderkooy, 14 grandchildren; sisters Sara Postma and family, Tinny De Vries and family; brothers Ton Vanderkooy and family, and Hans Vanderkooy and family.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Ten Mile Community Church, 4440 E. Columbia Rd., Meridian, ID 83642 or the Boise Salvation Army, 1904 W. Bannock St., Boise, ID 83702.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Idaho Press Tribune on Jan. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Simon Vanderkooy

11 Entries

Tim Karen Stear

January 23, 2009

We knew Simon for many years and always appreciated his model of Christian values and his strong faith. We knew him as a customer to our small engine business in the early 80's, and as a very friendly Christian man of our Kuna community. He was the faithful bell-ringer for the Salvation Army at Paul's Market, who had a kind greeting and warm smile for everyone. We don't believe he ever met a stranger. We will miss him. We pray his loved ones are comforted in knowing he is still with us all through his gentle spirit and wonderful memories.
Tim and Karen Stear

Meghan Anderson

January 16, 2009

I am deeply saddened by your loss. Christmas will not be the same without him here in Kuna. I remember him making sure my little boy was bundled up properly when it was so cold outside. He reminded me of my own dearest grandpa. I will think of him often.

Ken Hennessey

January 15, 2009

simon will be greatly missed.I will miss the friendly wave and smile

Darwin and Earlene Taylor

January 14, 2009

We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss, Simon was always so wonderful to talk to, I guess God decided he needed a wonderful bell ringer, Going to Paul's around the holidays will not be the same, We always looked forward to Simon greeting us at the door and wishing us a Merry Christmas. May all of the wonderful memories rest in your hearts for ever.

Lori Thomason

January 14, 2009

Mary and Family, We will miss Simon greeting us at church on Sunday's we always looked foreward to talking with him. He was a wonderful man.
Larry and Lori Thomason

Jelene Gaige

January 14, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Simon was always so kind and with a ready smile for all.

My girls still refer to Simon's field of flowers.

He will be missed by so many people I feel blessed to have known him. I know your loss is Heavens Gain! Blessings to you all.

Linda Fisher-Berlanga

January 14, 2009

Mary & Family,
I grew up in New Plymouth and remember many fond hours of playing with Ingrid & Ralph at your farm with the great St. Bernard dog! Ingrid & I were in the same grade. My condolences on your loss of Simon. He was always a kind man!

NANCY PASMA

January 14, 2009

Mary and Family,
You don't know me, but I lost my husband a short while ago also, Don Pasma, so I know what your are going through and want to express my condolances. Don knew Simon of course, also being in the dairy business. People still ask me how I am doing, and don't know how to answer them, just taking a day at a time, and a night at a time. We had been married for 31 years, and since losing Don I don't feel complete.
My prayers are with you to help you though this very hard time. A long time friend of ours, Hank Vanderwey passed just four days after Don, I guess GOD needed some good dairymen and truck drivers up there.
Nancy Pasma

Rachel Miyauchi

January 14, 2009

Dear Mary,

I feel such heartache for you and your family. Having recently lost my dad, I remember well the crushing pain and loss. I will pray for you as the months ahead are such unpredictable ones. God is truly our hope and mainstay.
Love and Friendship,
Rachel and Garrett Miyauchi

Catherine Thomas-Webster

January 14, 2009

Dear Mary and Family,

I was your long-time neighbor at Ten Mile and Deer Flat Roads and I am writing to let you know how
how saddened I was to hear of Simon's passing. He was a good neighbor and friend to my family, never hesitating to help when we needed it and always ready to visit.

I will forever remember him by his beautiful field of flowers in his seed growing years.

Sincerely,
Catherine Thomas-Webster

Robyn Ellis

January 14, 2009

Sorry to hear about your loss of husband, father and grandfather. I will be thinking of you.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results