VELTHUIS, Berend “Ben”

BEREND WICHER VELTHUIS 1937 – 2024 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear Father, Opa and Brother, Berend (Ben) Velthuis at the age of 86, on February 17, 2024, beloved husband of the late Elisabeth (Bep) Maria Velthuis. Ben leaves behind his children and grandchildren; Pieter (Ana) Velthuis (Bethany, Carson, and numerous foster children), Ralph Velthuis, Alice Velthuis, Bert Velthuis (Jasmine, Jenifer, Melissa), Janet (Ed) Ymker (Edward, Jacob, Sara, Annie, Ryan, Micah, LoriAnne), Elisabeth Velthuis, Hanna Velthuis (Adam, Grace, Emily), David (Alisha) Velthuis (Jayme, Zachary, Jonah, Luke, Janaya). He is survived by his brother and his spouse and 3 sisters and their spouses, numerous in-laws and many nieces and nephews in the Netherlands.
Besides his late wife, Elisabeth, of 52 years, Ben was predeceased by his parents, Pieter and Aaltje Velthuis; his parents in-law, Roel and Jannetje Hayes; Brother Jan (Corrie) Velthuis, Sister Pieterke (Joop) Borchart, 5 brothers in-law and 1 sister in-law.
Ben was born in Beilen, the Netherlands, on October 29, 1937, to Pieter and Aaltje Velthuis. He met his wife, Bep through mutual friends and married her on March 2, 1966. They were blessed with 4 children and after immigrating to Canada in 1976, they were blessed with 4 more children. They lived in Edmonton, Alberta for a short while before moving to Chilliwack, British Columbia and finally settling in Southern Alberta. Papa enjoyed working where he was able to interact with people and he worked hard to support his family that he loved dearly. Papa was a firm believer in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death making him a pro-life advocate. We would like to express a huge thank you to Bethesda Care Home for the excellent care given to our father (Opa) where he happily resided for 8 years until his passing.
Condolences will be held from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Thursday February 22, 2024, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION, 601 3A STREET, Picture Butte, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday February 23, 2024, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION, 601 3A STREET, Picture Butte, Alberta with Rev. P. Kleijer officiating.
Interment will follow at the Memorial Cemetery of Picture Butte, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethesda Care Home, Box 1096, Picture Butte, AB T0K1V0; The Lethbridge Pro-life Association, 1805 9th Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 1H8; OR roll up your sleeves and donate to the Canadian Blood Services.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.