Sjoerd Boonstra

Born September 4, 1935 ~ went home January 27, 2026

George was born in The Hague, the Netherlands, the eldest of five children. From the beginning, he was adventurous, fun-loving, and delightfully mischievous-a boy whose curiosity and joy for life never left him.

During the difficult hunger years of the war, George and his eldest sister Jane lived with their grandparents in a small town in the Frisian countryside, where food was more readily available. As a young man of 17, he served as a deckhand on a ship in the North Sea during the great storm that caused catastrophic flooding of the Dutch dikes, when many lives and ships were lost. Like all young men of that time in the Netherlands, George served in the Merchant Marines, a season that shaped his lifelong love of the sea.

At the age of 22, George came to Canada to visit friends in Vancouver, British Columbia, with plans to continue on to South America. God had other plans. At a gathering of friends, he met Dena, and from that moment on, Canada became home. They married and settled in North Vancouver, where they raised their family. Sunday afternoon drives through the beautiful Lower Mainland became a cherished family tradition. Over the years they lived in Ladner and Burnaby, but Crescent Beach held a special place in their hearts, especially as a gathering place for grandchildren. Eventually, they returned to Ladner to be close to family, church, and community, and later moved into a retirement community.

George was an entrepreneur at heart. He founded a printing company and was known as a gifted salesman-honest, charming, and deeply respected by his clients. After a brief career change into the linen business, he returned to printing sales, from which he eventually retired.

George loved people and was never shy about being the center of attention. He delighted in making others smile, "hamming it up" whenever the moment called for it. Music was a great joy in his life. He played the harmonica-collecting many over the years-as well as the bongos, and he loved all kinds of music. He was especially proud of his large teak stereo cabinet, where countless records filled the house with sound and celebration. George truly loved life and lived it with gratitude and enthusiasm.

The sea was always close to George's heart. Throughout his life, he owned both powerboats and sailboats, with sailing being his greatest passion. Family sailing trips through the Gulf and San Juan Islands were treasured memories. He served twice as navigator in the Vic-Maui International Yacht Race, a role that reflected both his skill and his calm confidence.

Never one to stop learning, George also became a pilot. He shared ownership of a small plane and loved flying around the Lower Mainland with Dena by his side. In retirement, they embraced a new kind of adventure, traveling across Canada in their motorhome-perfectly suited for land-loving Dena and her ever-adventurous husband.

George is deeply missed, but his family is comforted by the assurance of faith, knowing that he is now home with his beloved Dena, resting in the presence of the Lord. His life was a testament to joy, courage, love, and trust in God's leading.

George's memory lives on through his children: Veronica Friesen (John), Gina Murphy, John Boonstra, and Vaughn Boonstra (Kim); five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Loek Boonstra (Riet), and his sisters Jane Nieuwenhuis (John), Tina Boonstra, and Clara Kouwenhoven (Dick).

A celebration of life will be held at Delta Funeral Home on Sunday, March 1st, 2-5 PM. 5329 Ladner Trunk Rd, Delta, BC V4K 2Z2

Condolences may be offered at www.deltafuneral.ca