Gerrit De Hoog

Gerrit de Hoog passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 14, 2025, after having lived a long and remarkable 98 years.
He was born in Zuidland, The Netherlands on December 27, 1926. He was the middle child of 9 and is survived by two younger sisters, still living in The Netherlands.
His education was cut short due to the war, and he had to stay home to work. After the war, he was in the Royal Dutch Navy as a cannoneer for 3 years. This was a time of hard work, clearing out the bombs in the North Sea, but also exposed him to the love of travel.
He was married to Dingetje (Dekker) in October of 1953 and in 1955, they immigrated to the United States along with their one-year old son. After several moves in Whatcom County, they made their final home in Sumas. There they raised their 7 children.
Gerrit was a dairy farmer for over 35 years in Washington. He enjoyed farming, but his true love was gardening and growing all sorts of wonderful fruits and vegetables. Other hobbies included reading, music and puzzles. He loved to travel and after he retired, he traveled extensively around Europe and the US, as well as volunteering with the Red Cross and CRC Disaster Relief. He spent his whole life helping others and giving to those in need.
He was a very supportive father. He taught his kids how to work hard, but also how to have fun. He was very involved in the 4-H program and showing cows at the fair. Gerrit was himself an incredible athlete and he supported each one of his children in their various sport activity while they were growing up.
Gerrit is preceded in death by Dingetje, his beloved wife of over 50 years, Jasper, his only son, and Donna (Martin), his second caring wife of over 10 years. He is survived by his 6 daughters: Janny de Hoog, Pauline de Hoog, Geri Chaney, Carla Wernecke, Linda Powell and Grace Summerford and 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
"His footprints on the sands of time will not wash away quickly".
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 23rd at 10:00 a.m. at the Nooksack Valley Reformed Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made online to Whatcom Hospice Foundation.