Geert Vander Meulen

Geert Vander Meulen slipped into life eternal to be with his Lord and Saviour and with his precious wife, Cobi. He was just shy of his 91st birthday. Geert was born in Leeuwarden, in the Netherlands, the seventh of eight children to Popke and Antje Vander Meulen. His family moved to the small town of Holten in 1934 where Geert enjoyed many happy memories, but also the very difficult years of the Second World War.

In 1953, at the age of 22, Geert boldly immigrated by himself to the Crowsnest Pass in Alberta, Canada in search of adventure and to start a new life. He quickly integrated into his new country and into the Christian Reformed Church community where he met his beloved Cobi. They were married on July 13, 1957 in Bellevue, Alberta. They moved to Vernon for two years where their eldest child, Annette, was born, and then back to Bellevue where their sons, Harry, and Paul, were born.

In 1965 they settled in Richmond, B.C. where they raised their family and were devoted members and actively involved in the Christian Reformed Church and Richmond Christian School. In 1992 they moved to Ladner, into their dream house overlooking farmland and the North Shore mountains, a view that gave him daily pleasure.  Geert and Cobi loved to take car trips to visit family and friends and were devoted grandparents who lovingly spent much time with their children and grandchildren.

Geert worked for Lumberland Building Supplies and B.C. Greenhouses for many years before starting his own greenhouse manufacturing company in 1985 at the age of 55. The business did well, and Harry took over when Geert retired. Geert and Cobi enjoyed several wonderful retirement years before Cobi passed away at the age of 65, after 44 happy years of marriage.

Geert played the organ and trumpet with vigour, puzzled on a grand scale, could fix and build anything, and whistled like a bird. He was a lover of all things Dutch, a good strong cup of coffee, and a theological discussion. He loved his Lord, his church, and his community in which he served for many years. To meet Geert was to like him, and he leaves behind many who were touched by his kindness, good listening ear, warmth, and welcoming smile. We were blessed by the Godly life that he led, and he will be missed by all. Geert was dearly loved by his 3 children, 3 in-laws, 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Our thanks to the kind staff at Elim Village Retirement Community for providing him support, care and kindness this past year.