van Rijn, George

George (Gerardus) van Rijn

October 6, 1929 – December 24, 2016

It is with very heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear father, George. We were blessed to have had the past six months to care for him during his battle with cancer. Dad had a strong faith and we had many conversations about how he looked forward to being reunited with his beloved wife Tina and “what a glorious day it would be when my Jesus I shall see” (he sang this song constantly). Dad was a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

George was born in Uithoorn, the Netherlands and, when he was 23, he immigrated to Canada with his family. After settling in southern Alberta, he met and fell in love with our Mom, Tina (nee Reimer). Four children were born within 5 years of their marriage, and after many “mis”adventures the family landed on a farm in Cloverdale, BC.

Dad’s love of growing flowers was realized when he and Tina started Chestnut Greenhouses in 1966. George and Tina had a very successful career and were locally famous for the excellent products they grew. They retired 25 years ago to Abbotsford where their property was again full of beautiful flowers.

Dad was predeceased by his wife Tina, his parents and his great granddaughter, Juliet. He leaves his four children, Brenda (Erv) Janzen; Dave (Val); Wayne (Joy); and Beverly (Robin) Burnette; and eight grandchildren: Chris (Nolene), Justine, Ryan, Jordan, Kelsey, Allison, Faith & Ella and his great grandchildren Ollie, Eva & Audrey. Predeceased by his siblings Piet, Riet, Nico, Corry, Joe, Rudy and Eva, George is survived by brothers and sisters Martha, Barb, Tom, Clasina, John, Paul, Nick, Hank, Andy and Jack.

We will celebrate George’s life on Thursday, January 26 at Grace Church at 2:30pm, 2087 McMillian Rd, Abbotsford. A second memorial will be held on January 28 at the Gem of the West Museum, 1306 20 St, Coaldale, Alberta at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations to the Holmberg House (Abbotsford Hospice) — abbotsfordhospice.org/donate — would be greatly appreciated. Dad received excellent care there in the last 3 weeks of his life.

Please mail cheques to:

Abbotsford Hospice Society, 32780 Marshall Road, Abbotsford BC V2S 1J7