Tribute

Bill was born August 10th, 1929, in Andyk,The Netherlands, to Nanne and Anna Vriend.  He was the third youngest of their 11 children. The family emigrated to Canada in 1939, travelling on the good ship Volendaam on which Bill celebrated his 10th birthday. Upon arrival in Houston, BC they began the family farm that Bill worked with his father. Bill married his first wife Margaret in 1952, and they shortly took over ownership of the land; the vegetable and seed farm became a dairy operation that supported a family eventually including seven children.  Bill loved to be outside working the ground and growing his own food. His father Nanne had developed the Houston Evergreen Cabbage that was listed in William Dam Seeds Catalogue. In the 1970s, Bill sold the dairy cows and quota, and returned to growing plants, swiftly building a successful nursery business. In 1985, the family sold their place in Houston and moved to the more favorable climate of Abbotsford, BC; the move did not save the marriage, and Bill and Margaret divorced a few years later.

While gardening for Jack Glazema, Bill met Jack’s housekeeper, Tienie Kornelius. They were married on November 5th,1993, making their home in Chilliwack, BC, where Bill’s love of gardening continued.   Many hours were spent working the ground, growing food for his family and friends.  He joined Tienie as custodians of Cornerstone Christian Reformed Church where they worked together for 20 years.

Bill and Tienie were blessed to be able to travel to Ghana, Holland, Australia, Mexico and parts of Canada.  They enjoyed many opportunities to camp with family and friends.  Throughout the years Bill lived out his faith as an active member in his church communities.  Music was an important part of worship for Bill, he participated for many years singing in various choirs and on the church Praise Team.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Tienie; his children and grandchildren, Alan, Joyce (Ben, Charles & Kirsten, Carol), Karen & Jack (Daniel, Rachel & Ricki, Tamarah), Edith and Stan; his step-children, Brenda & Rob (Aaron, Joel, Jared, Leah), Linda & Stephen (Matthew, Emily [Haley], Nicole), and Jody & Uriel (Jonathan);  his sister Evelyn Bouma, brother Neil & Winnie Vriend, and sister-in-law Rita and many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his parents, Nanne & Anna, his 2 sons Calvin and Clifford and eight of his siblings.

On the morning of March 3rd, 2020, at the age of 90, Bill was called Home and is now safe in the arms of Jesus his loving Savior.