Tribute

With great sadness we announce the passing of Aart Spyker. Aart was born in The Hague, Holland on April 3rd, 1934. In 1952 he immigrated to Canada being sponsored by an uncle and aunt. His many adventures in Canada began with working on a chicken farm in Abbotsford, then quickly he moved on to working with the railway running up and down the Fraser Canyon for a winter. He had the privilege of sponsoring his parents, 2 brothers, and sister into Canada.      He settled down to do what he thought was the unthinkable, working with pen and paper for the Royal bank. It was while working with the bank that many people got to know Aart. He had the opportunity to work in many locations throughout B.C., Abbotsford, Kelowna, Smithers, Langley, Vancouver, Haney, Richmond. By the time he finished working with the bank he was a manager.  Aart met Joyce, the love of his life and companion for 58 years, and they married in August of 1959. Less than 4 years later they had 4 children to love and raise. In 1968 the family settled in Abbotsford. Aart then sought out his next adventure, trying insurance sales, and doing accounting in the evenings.  Ritchie Smith Feeds was in the beginning days and approached Aart to join the company part time. He turned them down twice before he accepted the job. By the time He retired, he was part owner, general manager and president of a growing business. Aart thrived working at the feed mill. He was able to serve and represent the feed industry throughout his time there.   Aart was a man of faith, his love for God influenced much of his thinking and his relationships with others. He was able to help many people throughout his life, both financially and by just being there for others. Until just recently he was still doing volunteer accounting for several organizations. On August the 13, Aart experienced a major stroke. As family and friends we were able to visit with him, express our love and say our goodbyes. Aart passed away very peacefully on the morning of August 20.  Aart was blessed with a full life, a loving wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many friends. We will miss his humour that even in the hospital he dished out as much as he could. He lived by example and we miss him.   In lieu of flowers the family would suggest a donation in Aart’s memory to Maple Springs Bible Camp, (maplesprings.ca).

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7