Richard Biesheuvel

Richard Biesheuvel, age 87, of Lynden, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 12, 2018, after a sudden brain hemorrhage. Richard was born to Dick and Maggie (Oordt) Biesheuvel on February 11, 1931, in Lynden, Washington. He attended Lynden Schools. On December 16, 1948, he married Ada Nieuwendorp. Together they raised their six children. Rich worked tirelessly as part of the family business, Lynden Meat Company, and began butchering at the age of 10. Rich started "butchering on the farm" in 1964. Rich took over the business from his father, and in 1985 they also began Lynden Ice Company. He ran the businesses with his sons until his retirement. Rich was a lifelong member of the First Christian Reformed Church, in Lynden, serving as elder and deacon. He enjoyed boating, fishing, golf and snowbirding in Arizona. After Ada passed away in 2001, Rich was married to Yvonne Key on December 26, 2002. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ada, brother and sister-in-laws, Jake Vreugdenhil, Rod Likkel, Tony & Nellie Staal, Bob & Kathryn Blankers, Lawrence & Dolores Benner, Ed and Wilma Bouma, John Nieuwendorp, and daughter-in-law, Debbie (Van Mersbergen) Biesheuvel, and grandson, Corey Biesheuvel, grandson-in-law, Larry Roosendaal, and step-grandson, Tyler Hardy. Survivors include wife, Yvonne, children, Vicki (Bob) Duim, Rick (Ruth) Biesheuvel, Tami (Galen) Koetje, Scott (Debbie) Biesheuvel, Mitch Biesheuvel, Brett (Pam) Biesheuvel, sisters, Harriet Vreugdenhil, Ruth Likkel, and Marge (Doede) Postma, brother and sister-in-laws, Roger (Gladys) Nieuwendorp, Richard (Carol) Nieuwendorp, Karen Nieuwendorp. He had 17 grandchildren and 23 great grandchilden, along with two step-sons, Jeff, Chad and their wives, and four step-grandchildren. You are invited to join family and friends for Rich's Memorial service, 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at First Christian Reformed Church, Lynden. Burial preceded at Monumenta Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Christian Reformed Church Mission funds, 1010 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264. You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.