John Peter Franken
April 7, 1948 - December 29, 2021
Tribute
In the morning on December 29, 2021 John Peter Franken was welcomed into heaven and able to meet his Saviour, Jesus Christ face to face after a courageous battle with renal cancer. He was 73 years old at the time of his passing. John Peter (Jan Piet) was born on April 7, 1948 to John & Ann (van den Berg) Franken in Bandoeng, Netherlands East Indies (currently Indonesia), the oldest of 3 children. In 1950 his family moved to the Netherlands, and in 1953 the family emigrated to the United States and settled in the Seattle, WA area, where John spent the majority of his childhood. On December 26, 1973, John married his beloved wife, Sandi (Sandra) Groothuis of Sumas, WA, and they just celebrated 48 years of marriage. Shortly before being married, John moved north across the U.S. border into British Columbia, Canada and began his teaching career. For over 40 years, John dedicated his life and teaching skills to Christian education, having taught at Christian schools in Abbotsford, Houston, Kelowna and Smithers, BC. His longest service was in Smithers at Bulkley Valley Christian School. John, Sandi and their 3 children (Cedric, Jodi & Kristin) moved to Smithers in 1986, and it was home for many years. In their retirement,
John & Sandi ran a small Bed & Breakfast called Chickadee Acres out of their home in Smithers. John loved chatting with all the folks travelling through, offering them a glass of BC wine, and directing them to the best wildlife and birding spots. John was passionate about all things nature and God’s creation. He was a bird enthusiast to the core, loved to fly fish (especially for steelhead) and enjoyed taking hikes all over the Bulkley Valley. John was a world traveler and loved to read and talk about faith, politics and the environment. Creation care was a topic near and dear to his heart. Throughout the years, John was very involved in several local CRC churches. In the spring of 2020, John and Sandi moved to Elim Village in Chilliwack, BC. John enjoyed having new hiking areas to explore in the Fraser Valley. At the end of 2020, John was informed his renal cancer was back and had metastasized into his bones. His last Christmas was spent surrounded by his whole family making memories for them to share and celebrate in the years ahead. John is survived by his loving wife Sandi and children – son Cedric and wife Kate of Hull, IA | daughter Jodi and husband Kevin of Cloverdale, BC | daughter Kristin and husband Brian of Valley Springs, SD | plus 5 grandchildren (Emma, Jonathon, Michaela, Lucas, Kendra) – and siblings Robert Franken and Irene Helgath. John’s life touched so many people throughout the years – it is hard to name them all. He will be missed dearly by his family, friends and many more that knew him near and far.
MEMORIALS
As many of you know, John loved mountain bluebirds. He placed bluebird boxes all over the Bulkley Valley, keeping records and managing them for many many years. When John moved south to Chilliwack, the Bulkley Valley Naturalists took over managing the boxes.
In lieu of flowers, we would love donations to be sent to the Bulkley Valley Naturalists. They will be doing a bluebird box building program this year and will use all donations in John’s name to purchase materials for this project in memory of him.
Mail cheques to: (Memo to Mountain Bluebird Project)
Bulkley Valley Naturalist
9210 Snake Rd
Smithers, BC
V0J 2N7
For an online donation, go to A Rocha Canada. They are working closely with the Bulkley Valley Naturalists in the Northern BC Programs and will direct all funds to the bluebird project. A Rocha is able to give a tax deductible receipt if desired. Here is the link: https://arocha.ca/portfolio-items/nature-centre-houston-bc/
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: pastor Jim and Linda Poelman
Relation: Through church, school, and Smithers community
Thinking of you as you grieve and take comfort in God’s Easter victory, now fully received by John
From: Anne Hetherington
Relation: John was a member of Bulkley Valley Naturalists
Deepest condolences for your loss. John cared for the land he lived on and the birds that shared it.
From: Arnie stolte
Relation: Suitemates in late 60's at Trinity Christian College
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to John’s immediate and extended family. I had lost touch with John once we no longer received the Christmas letter..
John , Al, Bill and I were suitemates while students at TCC. I have great memories. John and I drove straight thru to Colorado one summer to attend a wedding in Denver area. I was able to spend a few days after the wedding with John in mountains. John was always willing to take up the challenges even tho we did not always think thru these events.
I will see my friend John in Heaven some day. We will celebrate Jesus and our friendship.
From: Gord & Edith Beerda
Relation: He was married to my friend, his wife.
Sincere condolences to Sandi (friend from Smithers)…Cedric, Jodi, Kristen & families. May the happy memories made over the years help you through the tough times. May God’s loving arms give you strength now and always. God bless you.
From: Janine Pittman
Relation: Mountain bluebird nest box monitoring apprentice of John’s
Deepest condolences to the Franken family.
From: Albert & Ruth Luesink
Relation: Neighbours at Elim Village, Chilliwack, B.C.
Our hearts go out to you Sandy as you will miss John’s companionship. We as neighbours here at Elim in Chilliwack will miss him as well.
Johns’ love for God’s creation struck a strong note with us.
As one of God’s redeemed he will be with Jesus our creator , the great Artisan of all the birds who skillfully engineered this beautiful world. Jesus at the last trump will regenerate all that ever was very good and add much more that is excellent.
May God comfort you and the family
From: Stuart
Relation: Friend of his daughter
The gentle giant who stood beside Erv and I flipping pancakes was awesome. Always enjoyed talking to him.
From: Ivan & Alice Groothuis
Relation: Brother-in-law
Dearest Sandi,
Cedric, Kate, Emma, Jonathon
Jodi, Kevin, Michaela, Lucas
Kristin, Brian, Kendra
“He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds,” -Psalm 147:3
With Prayers and caring thoughts we are asking that GOD’S LOVE will comfort you, guide you, lighten your load, and give you peace.
Much Love!
Ivan and Alice
From: Tom and Robin Euverman
Relation: My first principal at Houston Christian School
Our hearts go out to you, Sandi and family. Remembering your time in Houston many years ago. May our God hold you in His arms.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Date & Time:
January 7, 2022
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
https://youtu.be/fXmHP1EdGi0
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
Friday, January 7 @ 2PM
Live Stream Link:
A small service will be taking place in the lower mainland. Covid restrictions have made things a little more difficult. If you would like to attend the in-person service, please contact one of John’s children (Cedric, Jodi or Kristin) for more details.
Memorial Gifts
MEMORIALS
As many of you know, John loved mountain bluebirds. He placed bluebird boxes all over the Bulkley Valley, keeping records and managing them for many many years. When John moved south to Chilliwack, the Bulkley Valley Naturalists took over managing the boxes.
In lieu of flowers, we would love donations to be sent to the Bulkley Valley Naturalists. They will be doing a bluebird box building program this year and will use all donations in John’s name to purchase materials for this project in memory of him.
Mail cheques to: (memo to Mountain Bluebird Project)
Bulkley Valley Naturalist
9210 Snake Rd
Smithers, BC
V0J 2N7
For an online donation, go to A Rocha Canada. They are working closely with the Bulkley Valley Naturalists in the Northern BC Programs and will direct all funds to the bluebird project. A Rocha is able to give a tax deductible receipt if desired. Here is the https://arocha.ca/portfolio-items/nature-centre-houston-bc/
Thank You Notice
MEMORIALS
As many of you know, John loved mountain bluebirds. He placed bluebird boxes all over the Bulkley Valley, keeping records and managing them for many many years. When John moved south to Chilliwack, the Bulkley Valley Naturalists took over managing the boxes.
In lieu of flowers, we would love donations to be sent to the Bulkley Valley Naturalists. They will be doing a bluebird box building program this year and will use all donations in John’s name to purchase materials for this project in memory of him.
Mail cheques to:
Bulkley Valley Naturalist
9210 Snake Rd
Smithers, BC
V0J 2N7
For an online donation, go to A Rocha Canada. They are working closely with the Bulkley Valley Naturalists in the Northern BC Programs and will direct all funds to the bluebird project. A Rocha is able to give a tax deductible receipt if desired. Here is the link: https://arocha.ca/portfolio-items/northern-bc-programs-2/
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
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Send Condolence - For John Franken
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