Tribute

Berend was born in Zuidwolde, Netherlands to Berend and Roelfina Huizing, the 5th of 12 children. He grew up as a farmer’s son and that became an integral part of who he was. He met our Mom in Holland as she was his sister’s best friend, but it would take time for him to appreciate who she would eventually be to him. In 1954 Opa, wanting a better life for his family, took a leap of faith and immigrated with most of the family to Canada, making their home in Iron Springs, Alberta. There they worked on a Sugar Beet Farm as a family, living and working there. Dad also had a few other jobs, including digging poles for fencing and working on the railway. Early in 1958 he invited our Mom to come join him with his family to test out life in Canada. By July they were engaged and travelled back to Holland at the end of the year and were married on January 22, 1959.
In November of 1959 they moved to the Fraser Valley and settled in Sumas where Dad worked as a Farm Hand. In 1967 they moved to the farm in Matsqui which they rented until they were able to purchase it in 1972. There the raised their 5 children. Life on the farm was busy with their growing family but dad and mom were a team and together they built a beautiful place full of love and laughter. The door was always open to all who came, everyone was welcomed and loved.
Dad loved the land. He was a Farmer to his core. Despite only having a formal education to Grade 6 along with some Agricultural schooling, he was incredibly knowledgeable in many areas of life. He was well read, and enjoyed life long learning.
He loved his family fiercely, giving the gift of his time and love generously. He was gracious and compassionate to all. He was quite likely the most positive person you would ever meet, always with a twinkle in his eye, seeing the silver lining in every situation.
His love of the Lord topped it all. He lived out his faith in plain sight. Always trusting, always loving, always thankful, right until the very end.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Styntje (Tina) Huizing in2014, and is survived by his loving family Chris (Diana ) Huizing, Phil (Karen)Huizing, Howard (Sarah)Huizing, Joy(Bart)Saathof, Marlene (Andreas)Kammenos, 18 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren Siblings Mina Slomp, Jannie VanHell, Rose Kuizenga, Ann VanDorp, Frank Huizing, Diene Schalk.