Siemen (Simon) de Boer passed away in Bastion Place, Salmon Arm, B.C. in the early hours of Thursday, August 11, 2011 at the age of 84 years.
A prayer service was held in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Salmon Arm on Sunday evening, August 14th at 7 p.m. followed by the mass of Christian Burial on Monday morning at 11 a.m. with Father George LaGrange OMI the celebrant. Words of remembrance were shared by Nurse Rhiannon Best (granddaughter), Veterans group of Indonesia and the Knights of Columbus, with members of the family as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers. The Men’s Choir, accompanied by Catherine Kroetch and Neil Making, shared spiritual songs during the Mass.
The family shared favourite songs at the graveside interment in Mt. Ida Cemetery, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall, allowing the family and friends to continue sharing memories.
Born in Tjerkwerd, Friesland, Netherlands, on June 21, 1927, the 6th of 15 children (4 girls, 11 boys); he immigrated to Canada in 1951, settling in Yankee Flats on September 5, 1972. He quickly became well known and respected in the farming community, and was elected to the Regional District, devoting 23 years of dedicated service which included many years as Chairman.
Predeceased by a granddaughter, Charlotte Ann in 1975, son, Harry in 1985, and daughter, Susie Marie in 2004; his parents, Gerrit de Boer in 1962, Fimke (Brattinga) de Boer in 1988; sisters, Atje (de Boer) Lang, Yvonne de Boer, Kay (de Boer) Dykstra, Tjistke (de Boer) Kramer; brothers, Pieter de Boer, Theo de Boer, Jan de Boer, Marines de Boer.
Simon leaves his loving family, wife, Elsie of 60 years; 9 children, Yvonne (Gary) Weintz, Garry (Lea) de Boer, Sandy (Brent Wiseman) de Boer, John (Holly) de Boer, Fimmy (Edward) Ganshorn, Cathy (Peter) Pachmann, Corry (Raymond) Stuart, Evelyn (Bruce) Quibell, Michele (Larry) Larson; 20 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; brothers, Theo de Boer, Hendric (Pam) de Boer, Yvo (Georgette) de Boer, Sjoerd (Wientge) de Boer, Johanes (Agatha) de Boer.
Email condolences may be sent to Simon’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Funeral arrangements were in the care of Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm.