VISSER, Dick

DICK VISSER 1953 – 2024 With the full assurance of God’s grace, Dick passed away at home after a hard battle with pulmonary fibrosis at the age of 71 years.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife Barb; sons Mitchell (Jerri-Lyn), Shawn (Sheena), Jordan (Jen); 5 precious grandchildren Aiden, Kenley, Theo, Miles and Josslyn; in-law sisters and brothers Denise & Murray Buesink, Erna & Allan Karsten, Lee & Marlene Wamsteeker, Jolyn &Josh Bolderheij; numerous nieces and nephews and their families, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Dick was predeceased by his parents Mient & Audrey Visser, and his in-law parents Nick & Gerda Wamsteeker.
Born on July 28, 1953, the only child to Mient and Audrey Visser, Dick was raised in Lethbridge as part of a large extended family, and a close-knit post – WW2 Dutch immigrant community. School years took him to university, meeting Barb along the way in elementary school, and marrying her when she had completed her nursing education. Dick and Barb were blessed with three sons – Mitchell, Shawn and Jordan, and together some great memories were formed… camping, living on an acreage, a barn raising weekend, pet chickens, geese and cows, Saturday skiing and hot tubs, and motor biking on the trails. Later three in-law daughters were welcomed into the family, and the arrival of five grandchildren made for one proud Pake!
Dick’s work included sales of confection and snack foods, and later, restaurant and hotel small wares. It was that job which provided him with the opportunity to move to Cranbrook, to his dearly loved mountains and waters of B.C.
Turning points in his life included Promise Keepers, illness and a career change. At the age of 44, Dick returned to college, entering the Human Services field. This led to work for Canadian Mental Health Association for the Kootenays, including a period of time when he served on the boards of B.C. Non-Profit Housing Association and Shelter Net B.C.
Retirement came early when Dick became seriously ill with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and his parents passed away unexpectedly. Those life events and hard times took him back to Lethbridge to be closer to family.
Dick liked bright primary colors, the ocean, begonias, Van Morrison music, red wine, fishing, shopping, guitar music, NASCAR, the Toronto Blue Jays and Vancouver Canucks. Fishing and camping provided Dick with such great joy. Favorite places for him were an acreage between Cranbrook and Kimberley, Whiteswan Lake, and Kootenay Lake. He found pleasure in building, repairing, or creating with wood, ammolite, canvas, or food. Driving his coach motorhome down the Oregon coast and to Yuma, Arizona were highlights for him. Dick found a way to give back to his community by serving on the board for Elim Society for Seniors Care.
As his health declined with increased physical limitations, Dick spent time in the rabbit hole of You Tube, enjoying street food from all around the world, and sailing waters with couples who had repaired old boats. He felt comfort in knowing he had dear family and close friends and will be dearly missed.
A private family service will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, August 1, 2024. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Dick-Visser
Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Elim Society for Seniors Care, 275 Lettice Perry Rd. N. Lethbridge, T1H 7E7
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.