November 3, 1944 – June 26, 2026

2 Corinthians 12:9  “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Our dear father, grandfather and husband, Arie Pieter Korevaar, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family into the welcoming arms of his Saviour on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Arie is survived by his children: Arie Korevaar (Kirston), Debra Scholer, David Korevaar (Andrea), Elaine Dekens (Anthony), Laura Nugent (Bryce), his wife Wanda, and stepdaughter Luiza Zukowska. His grandchildren: Samuel, Sarah, Ophelia, Adaline and August Korevaar, Lincoln Bissonnette, Alena and Jakob Scholer, Ethan, Ava and Levi Korevaar, Daniel, Rachel and Taryn Dekens, Sophia and Charlie Nugent and step-grandson Bartek Zukowski.

Arie was predeceased by his father, Arie Sr. (1975), brother Jakob (1983), first wife Lena (2000), sister-in-law Willy (2002), mother Dirkje (2004), brother Jan (2009), Tante Aartje Boon (2014), sister Heiltje (2020), nephew Kees (2023) and sister Rita (2026).

Arie was born to Arie and Dirkje Korevaar in Bleskensgraaf, Zuid Holland, Netherlands during World War II. He grew up on the family dairy farm with his five siblings, milking cows by hand from the age of 10 to help support the family. Arie studied at the local Agriculture School and then served in the Dutch Army, training in Germany from 1963 to 1964 as a loader on a tank crew.  In his younger years, he also spent time speed skating, playing checkers, time with his friend Jan Kees Schep and being part of the Nederlandse Christelijke Platelands Jongeren Bond (Christian Young Farmers Association) where he met his friend, and future best man/neighbour, Dan Lievaart.

In 1976, Arie came to Alberta to visit Dan and help him on his farm near Chin. He soon met Lena Van Dijk at a party. It was a whirlwind romance and within weeks they were engaged. He had to return to Holland so they corresponded with letters until Lena could visit. They were married a year later on July 8, 1977. Arie and Lena lived in Fincastle and he worked at Sandy Hill Stock Farm until 1981 when the family farm was bought in Cranford and his dream of owning a farm in Canada became a reality.  Arie and Lena raised their five children with faith, family, friends and farming being the core pillars of their life together. He rented land from many neighbours based simply on a handshake.

Life on the farm was a blessing, with an assortment of animals, chores and much freedom.  Arie experimented with basket-weaving, making cheese, drying flowers, and various other hobbies.  He was active with his kids in 4-H and was always eager to show family and friends around the farm.

Tragedy struck on February 10, 2000, when Lena passed away unexpectedly. This was a very difficult time in his life. Arie found purpose serving as a director in the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers and enjoyed the industry and travel.

Arie found love again, marrying Wanda Lojewska in 2006 and then welcomed her daughter, Luiza, and grandson, Bartek, to Canada from Poland. Arie and Wanda had many happy years together on the farm, also traveling to Europe often and vacationing in Yuma, Arizona.

Following a major stroke in 2023, he moved into care at the Coaldale Health Centre. Although the stroke affected him significantly, his fun-loving personality remained. He received many visitors and was a favourite of the health care staff.

Arie was a strong, yet gentle giant with piercing blue eyes. He had a big heart, was generous and had unwavering faith in God. He was an active member of Trinity United Reformed Church in Lethbridge and developed strong relationships there. He loved good jokes, coffee with friends and could visit with pretty much anyone. Arie had a gift for remembering dates, phone numbers and even license plates! He loved and supported his kids and their families. He would regularly call and visit them until the stroke took those abilities away. We, his family, are heartbroken and miss him terribly. We are grateful for who he was and his steadfast presence in our lives.

Heartfelt thanks go to the staff at the Coaldale Health Centre and the Chinook Regional Hospital for the excellent, compassionate care he received. The family requests any donations in Arie’s memory be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heartandstoke.ca)

A Graveside Service will be held at COALDALE COMMUNITY CEMETERY, Coaldale, AB, on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11:00 A.M., followed by a Funeral Service at TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, 1100 – 40 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor John van Eyk officiating.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-06-26
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta