Tribute

At 94 years of age, a loving Father, committed Husband, and proud Opa Christiaan Buitelaar took his last earthly breath the morning of July 17th, 2017, and we are thankful for his always faithful walk with Christ and that he is now in his eternal home.
He is predeceased by his parents, Lydia Peters and Maarten Buitelaar (one of 20 children to Christiaan’s grandfather Pieter), and his brother Piet Buitelaar.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Johanna Adrianna Buitelaar (nee Guijt), sons Marlen (Susan) and Harvie (Jackie), grandchildren Adrianna, Adalyn, Jake, Willem, and Ella, his brother Jo Buitelaar, and extended family mostly in the Netherlands.
Born March 1st, 1923 in the farm town of Maasland, the Netherlands, Chris grew up on a dairy farm, and learned from an early age to contribute and work hard, even during difficult times such as World War II. He studied gardening and horticulture, something which stayed with him and his “green thumb” all his life as he passionately grew fruits and vegetables, always organically, right into his 90’s.
Chris immigrated to Canada on the Volendam in May of 1951, with nothing but a suitcase of some clothing and small possessions. He spent his first years in Canada around parts of Ontario, often working simultaneous jobs at places like Greyhound Bus, St.Lawrence Corn Starch, Twin Pines Dairy, Ford, and General Motors. He quickly had an eye for small business entrepreneurship, and tried his hand in various business, buying a roofing company in 1959. That same year he moved to Vancouver.
On the west coast, he ran his own street photography business, managed mobile home parks, owned blueberry farms, and worked for various companies. On a trip back to the Netherlands in the early 70’s, he met his wife to be Johanna Adrianna, and married in Vancouver in 1972. He lived in various places on the south coast, but settled longest in Queensboro. He was last a member of the New Westminster Christian Reformed Church since 1980. Besides gardening, Chris enjoyed tinkering around with cars, trucks, and antique motorbikes. He always had to be busy, and certainly did not agree with the word “retirement”, but he was the dictionary of Dutch sayings. Chris was also passionate about the Seafarer’s Ministry, where he served for about 20 years, visiting ships at Annacis Island’s port, often accompanied by his wife and sons.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude for the support from family and friends. Although we miss him dearly, we find joy in knowing Chris is settling into his heavenly home at peace with his Lord.
The Celebration of Life will be held at 11am Friday July 21st, at the New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, located at 8255 13th Avenue, Burnaby BC, with Pastor Andrew Beunk.