Simon Richard Vander Woude

1954 - 2022

Kuna - Simon Richard Vander Woude, 68, of Kuna, passed away on December 8th after sustaining an injury from a fall while feeding his cows. Simon was born to Simon and Elsie Vander Woude in 1954 in San Diego County as the ninth of eleven children. He began his life on a dairy in southern California, where he grew strong and was taught to live by faith and work hard. At eighteen years old, he first saw Chris, a beautiful girl at church, and managed to secure a blind date. They proved to be the love of each other's lives, and they were married just shy of two years later. Within a few years, he brought his wife and one-year-old son to Idaho to start their dairy. Together Simon and Chris welcomed three more children into their family, each raised in love and faith. After many years running the family dairy in Kuna, Simon went on to earn his master's degree and established several other successful businesses. However, Simon always saw himself as a simple dairy farmer, and his most valued accomplishments were in the lives he touched. He was an intelligent, wise, humble, and kind man who took pleasure in the small and ordinary things: rural life, working with his hands, and giving of his heart. Above all, he cherished the titles of husband, father, and pake (grandpa) most.

Words fall short when trying to express Simon's impact on the people around him. He touched the lives of countless people through his church, outreach ministries, business endeavors, and friendships. His love for the Lord was manifested through his deeds and interactions with all - always ready with a sincere smile, booming laugh, and an iconic hug. He had a genuine, open heart and made those around him feel loved and valued. There are few that met Simon who did not remember and love him.

Simon is survived by his wife of forty-eight years, Chris; their children; Jeremy (Holly), Leslie (Ted), Mark (Aimee), Amanda (Rodrigo) and his twelve grandchildren are profoundly grateful to have been blessed with such a special man. The love and faith Simon lived out every day of his life is a blueprint we are striving to live by now. May his countless examples of truly unconditional love push us all to be better reflections of Christ.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 14 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave. So.. A private graveside service will be held later in the day.

A celebration of his life will be held at Crossroads Church, 4170 E. Amity Ave. in Nampa, ID at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 17.

An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com

The family suggests to please send donations in memory of Simon to support the missionary work of his brother-in-law, Tim Hart.

https://mtw.org/missionaries/details/hart-tim-and-beverly