Tribute

Peter Rolleman, age 91, of Abbotsford BC passed away peacefully on  August 16, 2025. With deep gratitude for the grace and mercy of Jesus, Peter is now in glory forever with his Savior.

Peter was born Feb 8, 1934 in Ommen, Netherlands. Being raised in a farming community, Peter grew up loving animals, gardening, and hard work. In his youth, as with so many families at the time, he also endured the challenges of WW2. When he was 15 his parents decided to immigrate to Canada, and sent Peter ahead on his own to begin working on a farm in order to help earn money to support the family. It was very difficult to be alone in a strange new country learning a new language, working very hard and tirelessly for little pay, and enduring the harshness of employers who would take advantage of his work ethic with little thanks and little pay.

Receiving the opportunity to move to British Columbia, Peter came to Abbotsford, and because of the encouragement of his friend Albert Sevenhuysen, began corresponding by mail with Albert’s sister Sylvia. Over time, and through the snail’s pace of overseas mail, they eventually met, fell in love, and were married on June 6, 1958. Together they raised six children in Langley BC.

Peter’s early work was as a cement truck driver for Thompson’s Ready Mix, but in the years that followed he found other exciting projects to build an income on, such as producing and selling recordings (vinyl) of The BC Boys Choir, buying and reselling pianos, selling refurbished travel trailers, building new homes, and becoming a painting contractor. He poured his heart into every endeavour as he worked to enhance the financial well being of his family. However Peter always maintained his deep commitment to faith, good character, integrity with loyalty to God, his family, friends and neighbours.

After retiring he devoted himself to his caring for his wife through many years of dialysis, and also volunteering at Sevenoaks Alliance Church as an Usher, which gave him much joy as he met so many folks, both familiar and newcomers, and forged many friendships as he openly shared his and Sylvia’s testimony of faith and trust in Jesus, encouraging others to do the same. In the building where he and mom lived for many years it was not unusual for him to bring a pot of homemade soup to a fellow homeowner with health needs, or collect empty bottles to raise money for others in need, such as in Ukraine. Peter loved using his time and talents to serve others. He was always ready to shoulder the burden or lighten the load by helping any family, friend or even complete strangers without hesitation. And Peter loved to laugh and tell a joke, a story, or make fun of anything he thought was worth having a laugh about. And he particularly loved sharing time with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. His face glowed with love and enthusiasm for all of his beloved family members.

Peter is survived by his children, Chuck (Marianne) Rolleman of Chilliwack; Jennifer (Rick) Krabbendam of Chilliwack; Ida Rolleman of Abbotsford; Evie (Mike) McMorran of Kelowna; Andy Rolleman of Chilliwack; Rick (Angela) Rolleman of Surrey. Also survived by Alice Rolleman of Abbotsford. Peter is lovingly survived by his grandchildren Nick (Brenda), Natalie (Baas), Daryl (Megan), Nomi (Nathan), Mike (Emily), Matt (Bre), Andres (Ali), Chelsea (Chris) Brayden (Kelsey), Amy (Nic), Linnea (Anthony), Cam, Trey. Peter is also survived by his Great Grandchildren, Esther, Elliott, Ruth, Hannah, Sienna, Noah, Moses, Holly, Solomon, Adley, Isla K., Eden, Rosie, Esher, Genevieve, Arlo, Isla D., and August. He was predeceased by his loving wife Sylvia, and by grandchildren Jody, Joshua and Sophia.