Bob Terpstra Obituary

Bob Terpstra, age 66, went home to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout his journey his faith in God never wavered and his love and appreciation for his family and friends continued to deepen. He maintained an incredible peace because he knew his God was in control. Bob was born on October 17, 1943, in Bellingham to Erwin and Johanna Terpstra. He grew up in Lynden and was a charter member of what he fondly referred to as "The C Street Gang." He graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1962 and then joined in the family business by working with his father and Uncle Gerald Polinder at Ferndale Grain. He then met and later married the love of his life, Nella Buys, on August 8, 1969. Together they raised five children who in turn blessed them with 13 grandchildren…and counting. Over the years he served his church as both a deacon and an elder. During Bob's retirement years he was able to pursue the things that brought him true joy. He carefully planned and took many driving trips around the U.S., read books reflecting on American wars and great moments in sports, volunteered at Sonlight CRC faithfully mowing the grounds, enjoyed music-especially singing with King's Men of Song and spent many precious moments with his close and ever-growing family. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Nella; 5 children, Carleen (Jayson) Polinder and grandsons Clayton and Kyle of Lynden, Sheri (Ben) Nydam and granddaughters Ellie and Alivia of Ferndale, Loren (Tricia) Terpstra and grandchildren Jakab, Charlie, Jonah, and Hannah of Lynden, Kristi (Bill) Sims and grandchildren Will, Maddie, Jack, and Jed of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Kara (Chuck) Millsap and granddaughter Alexis of Seattle; mother Johanna Terpstra of Lynden; 3 siblings, Harold (Mavis) Terpstra of Lynden, Gordon (Cheryl) Terpstra of Bellingham, and Doris (Bob) Libolt of Lynden; 6 in-laws, Hank (Anne) Buys of Yakima, Evie (Arvid) Hagen of Lynden, Gordon (Florine) Buys of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bob (Bernice) Buys of Quincy, Ron (Marcia) Buys of Quincy, and Dave (Kathy) Buys of Custer; aunt Shirley Polinder of Lynden; and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Erwin Terpstra; father and mother-in-law, Gerrit and Elsie Buys; sisters-in-law Alta Weidner and Ruth Smit; and uncle, Gerald Polinder. Visitation hours will be Tuesday, September 14, from 6 to 8pm at Sonlight Community Church in Lynden. A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, September 15, at 2pm at Sonlight Community Church, 8800 Bender Rd., Lynden. Private Family Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob's name can be made to Families of Hope Adoption Fund (P.O. Box 86, Lynden, Washington, 98264), Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Dr., Lynden, WA 98264 or Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 800 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham, WA 98225. You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden

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Published by Bellingham Herald on Sep. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Bob Terpstra

6 Entries

Mark and Ruth Wyn

September 14, 2010

Dear Nella and family,
We were shocked and saddened to learn of your loss this morning. We remember Bob and his gentle disposition and laugh even though we've been away from Lynden over 12 years. He has certainly created a legacy of faith in his family! Our prayers are with you as you say an earthly goodbye to a wonderful man.

September 13, 2010

Dear Nella and Family,
So sorry to hear about Bob's passing. May God give you all the strength to go through this difficult time.
You were our neighbors about 39 years ago on the Guide. You invited us in your home when the electricity was out for a couple of days and it was very cold. My daughter lives in Bell. and told me about Bob. My husband and I live now in Chilliwack, B.C.
With thoughts and prayers, Jenny Dotinga (Dykema)

Lee Stockton

September 12, 2010

Nella and Family,I was so saddened to hear of Bob's passing.I just wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was to have had the opportunity to meet and work for such a kind and gentle man.I have wonderful memories of working at Ferndale Grain and knowing that we could always count on Bob to come out late in the afternoon and add more orders to the delivery book and keep us working late into the night.I will truely miss my annual run-ins with Bob at the State Basketball Tournaments.Please know how much he meant to all of us at Ferndale Grain.

Traci Likkel

September 12, 2010

Bob was a wonderful, caring man. I have very fond memories of him during my high school years where I spent many, MANY hours at your home. He was always kind. Always very patient with us giggling girls! He has left an amazing legacy! His faith was incredible. I feel honored to have known him.
Praying for your family often. Much love to you from the Likkels. (Ryan, Traci, Samuel, Maxwell and Jackson)

Curt Meenderinck

September 12, 2010

Nella and family Sad for you folks in Bob's passing however I know Bob is in heaven with Erwin and Gerald. I will never forget the games of horse we would play at the old mash plant while I was unloading molasses. He always called me Curtie which bugged me but I never said anything. I just named all my kid's to end in N to avoid that. Bob was a wonderful partner and loved by all.

Brian Likkel

September 12, 2010

Nella and family, So sad to hear of Bob's passing. Back when I worked with him at F.G., we shared many a laugh and good times. He was just an all-around great guy with a strong faith, and will be missed dearly. Our prayers go with you.

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