July 10, 1943 - March 26, 2020
Pieter (Pete) Verhoeven is lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda, his brother Teunes (Pat), son Brett (Tara), stepdaughter, Deni (Greg) James and stepson, Quinten Stanko, as well as 4 grandchildren, Kelsi and Evan James and Noah and Natalie Verhoeven, nieces Cindy (Matthew) Christianson, Trish (Patrick) Goodleave, Riste (Ayden) Edan, Sherry Rosenberg and nephews Kris and Vance Verhoeven, David (Yen) Verhoeven and Randy Rosenberg. He was predeceased by his parents Jan and Marie Verhoeven, his older brother Gerritt and wife, Gail, as well as his younger sister Audrie and husband, John.
Pete was born in Bleskengraaf, Netherlands on July 10, 1943 and came to Canada with his family when he was 7 years old. He grew up on various farms at the coast then, in 1967, moved to Grindrod, BC where he partnered with his father and brother, Gerritt, on a dairy farm.
Pete became a proud Canadian Citizen in 2018 after 67 years in Canada. He bought a 10-year Canadian passport and, unfortunately, didn't get an opportunity to use it. He and Linda travelled to 24 countries while Pete was still a citizen of the Netherlands.
To his grandchildren, "Papa" was the gentle giant whose finger they could hold onto when they were learning to walk, who would put them on his shoulders and take them around the farm, whose great big hand dwarfed theirs, but who always made them feel protected. Neighbours would call on him to deliver their animals because all creatures felt safe and calm around him.
Travelling and carpet bowling were his passions. He participated in many provincial tournaments as well as was part of a team that, in 2016, brought home Gold at the Canada 55+ Games in Ontario. He was extremely disappointed all tournaments were cancelled this year because of Covid19. As weak as he was, he intended to skip at the Provincial level and play at the Canada 55+ games to attempt to bring home yet another medal. His teammates supported him despite the severity of his illness.
Jan told Linda when she married Pete, she got the last good man. He was kind, generous and totally selfless. When he loved, he loved completely and unconditionally. If you were his friend, he'd do anything for you - he'd give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He could be as stubborn as a mule but once he agreed he'd go into it wholeheartedly. On the farm, he could fix anything, improvising and innovating with whatever was on hand. Those who knew him will remember him in his coveralls or shorts with cowboy boots, a tool in his hand and a grin on his face. In 2006 Pete and Linda bought 80 acres south of Little Fort and came "home" in 2007. In 2019 Pete decided he wanted to be a garlic farmer and more or less directed the planting from his hospital bed. Linda, Brett, Tara, Deni, Greg and Quinten now have a certified organic acre of garlic to harvest and, with any luck, realize Pete's dream.
There will be a gathering at a future date.
Condolences may be sent to the family at DrakeCremation.com
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