Wolter Smit
May 29, 1934 - March 4, 2022
Tribute
Who am I? Pastor Wolter Smit, follower of Jesus.
May 29, 1934 – Mar 4, 2022
I have been adopted as God’s child. [Eph.1:5]
I have been bought with a price. I belong to God. [1 Cor.6:19,20 ]
I have been redeemed, through Jesus, and forgiven of all my sins. [Col. 1:14 ]
I am a personal witness of Christ. [Col. 1:14]
I may approach God with freedom and confidence. [Eph. 3:12]
I am a citizen of heaven. [Phil 3:20]
Wolter has gone to be with his Lord and Saviour, the one he loved and served his whole life. He will be deeply missed by his wife and best friend of 61+ years, Nelly. Caring father to: Kathy [Bob], Jacqueline, Monique [Paul], Shan [Carmen]. Opa to: Sarah, Senna, Jenson, Alanna, Deon, Deanna, Kiley, Xavier, Kelecia. Great-Opa to Gianna, Kerry, Nella, Clara, CJ, Quentin. Predeceased by his infant son Walter Leo, and infant great granddaughter Natajha Smit. He is survived by two brothers and three sisters and a large extended family.
Born in Hoek van Holland, Wolter lived through WWII as a young boy. He later became a carpenter and immigrated to Canada with his family. There he found Nelly, the love of his life (after walking behind her at church ;), and they were married in 1960. In 1968, he heard God calling him to the ministry and to seek the truth. They moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and in 1976, Wolter graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary (alum Calvin College ‘73). Wolter served the Fort McMurray, AB and Brandon, MB CRC churches, before moving to Comox BC, in 1988, where he served – and helped build – Bay Community Church, part of the Congregational Christian Churches in Canada. He retired in 2002. In 2011, after open heart surgery, Wolter also developed dementia. In 2020 they moved to Elim Christian Retirement Village, Surrey, to be closer to their family. Nelly lovingly cared for Wolter during this time, until he was placed in residential care at The Harrison in October 2021.
Memorial service will be held Friday, March 25 at 2 p.m. at Fleetwood CRC, 9165-160 Street, Surrey.
Wolter’s favorite verse was Galatians 4:6,7
~ With thankfulness and gratitude for all the wonderful years God gave us together ~
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Leo Smit
Relation: Wolter is my brother.
Our condolences with the loss of Wolter. A caring husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. May you be comforted and find peace that only God can give you.
Our love ❤️ to you all.
From: Rev. Dr. David Schrader
Relation: National Pastor
Dear Nelly and Family,
I want to express my deepest sympathies at the passing of your dear husband Wolter and for the loss of a father and grandfather to your children and grandchildren.
The Congregational Christian Churches in Canada are deeply indebted to you and Wolter for all the work you did at Bay Community Church and for your support to our denomination throughout the years. I know you will deeply miss Wolter after being married for over 61 years. Our prayers will be with you Nellie and with your family in the days ahead. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ sustain and comfort you. Be encouraged with these words from Rev. 14:13, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!”
Rev. Dr. David Schrader
From: Dan Miller
Relation: Friend
Wolter always asked us “Did you get it?”
I think I got it Wolter. Thankyou.
From: Richard Snyder
Relation: Comrade
Wolter was definitely one of a kind. Sincere, bold, servant to all. He loved books, loved people, loved his kids, loved the church, loved the Word of God, and loved Nelly with abandon. But most of all he loved God. After his heart surgery, Wolter and Nelly looked like spring chickens together in love. I’m thankful for our friendship and look forward to visiting with him just beyond the river. So long my friend.
From: Gerard Kreeft
Relation: Knew Wolter as fellow Calvin student!
I have fond memories of Wolter during my days as Calvin student…unfortunately post-Calvin we lost touch with each other…Godspeed!
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Date & Time:
March 25, 2022
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
Fleetwood Christian Reformed Church
9165 - 160 Street
Surrey, BC Canada
9165 - 160 Street
Surrey, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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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