It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to MARTIN G. VREDEGOOR, beloved husband of 63 years to Dora Vredegoor, of Lethbridge. A husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at the age of 84 years.

Besides his loving wife, he will be lovingly remembered by his six children Marion (Blaine) Pontarolo, Linda (Richard) Kremenik, David Vredegoor, Marty (Colleen) Vredegoor, Brian Vredegoor and Pat (Sue) Vredegoor; his grandchildren Cassandra (Mark) Wilson, Michael (Kathy) Kremenik, Bryce (Jill) Pontarolo, Ryan (Jenna) Kremenik, Shawn (Kerry) Pontarolo, Mandie (Shane) Vredegoor, Tyler (Jessie) Vredegoor, Greg Vredegoor, Kirstie (Chris) Houston, Brian (Jr.) Vredegoor; his 12 great-grandchildren Kiara, Emily, Riley, Adam, Liam, Oliver, Austin, Hunter, Kaytlin, Kenneth, Isabella and Tenley.

Martin is survived by his twin brother Everett (Anne Marie) and brothers Ben, Hank (Aggie) and Gary and his sisters Henny Raats, Ann (Conrad) Verbaas, Marie, Lena (Henry) Verbaas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Betus, Hank, Gerrit (Ans) Heinz and sisters-in-law Dinny Jansen, Anne (Harry) Schlief, Lena (Frans).

He was predeceased by his parents Anthony and Grada Vredegoor, brothers Anton and Mike, sisters Grada and Dinie, brothers-in-law Tony and Ted, and sister-in-law Mary. He was also predeceased by Dora’s parents Gerhardus and Anna Heijnst, brothers Wim and Jan and brother-in-law Eppie.

Martin was born on April 27, 1933 in Drempt, Holland where he also met the love of his life, Dora Heijnst. He and his family immigrated to Canada in 1953 and Dora immigrated one and a half years later. The couple married on August 28, 1954. Martin was blessed with a growing family. He worked very hard at different jobs as a farm labourer, construction worker, carpenter and stuccoing houses in order to provide for his family. He also worked for the Sugar Beet Factory, Lethbridge Exhibition, Lilydale, United Feeds and New Life Feeds; however, farming was where his heart and his passion were. He bought his first piece of land in 1957 near Shaughnessy and later purchased more land around the Shaughnessy area in Purple Springs and Drayton Valley.

Dad was a very hard working, wise and talented businessman and quite the joker with his great sense of humour, always wearing that mischievous and infectious smile that we will all miss dearly.

Besides his love for farming, he loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends, telling stories, dancing, camping, fishing, boating and traveling.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 – Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, on Thursday, September 7th, 2017 at 7:00 P.M., with Deacon Michael Pollard officiating. Friends and family are welcome to pay their respects between 6:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, on Friday, September 8th at 11:00 A.M., with Father Salvador Ahumada, Celebrant. Friends and family are welcome to pay their respects between 10:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M.

Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960 19th Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5.

 

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

• Date : 2017-08-31
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta