Page 61 - BCHNews-122023-Web

Greg and Coral Hessels welcomed their newest little girl, Quinn Katherine Hessels on October 9th, Thanksgiving Monday. Weighing 8lbs 4.5oz, she is gladly welcomed by her very excited siblings and parents into the family. She is grandchild number 25 for Jim and Maryann Hessels of Hesdon Holsteins in Delta, BC.
Steve DeJong January 31, 1933 – October 5, 2023
Born in a small town called Woudsend, Friesland, the Netherlands, during the Depression, Steve was the fifth of seven children coming from a strong Catholic family.
Steve was a child of war, something that he carried with him through his entire life. Living on coupons, providing sheep and pigs to share within the town, and hiding in the hay bales at night with radios to receive updates on the Dutch radio were all part of his childhood.
Steve met Tina in the summertime, between
attending agriculture school and college. After
college, Steve needed to make a career choice.
He recalled one important conversation with a
professor to discuss his options – veterinarian,
teacher, farmer? As there were few jobs and
limited land after the War, the professor
recommended that he immigrate to New Zealand,
the United States or Canada. His parents were
supportive of his life plan, and soon Steve
decided that British Columbia would become his new home. Steve wrote Tina back in the Netherlands once per week. He had a secure job working in Langley, with no days off, taking care of chickens, turkeys and cows. Tina followed a year and a half later. They eventually got married at St. Joseph’s Parish in Langley.
Steve was a dedicated farmer and committed to many farm and agricultural organizations throughout his farming life. Building his herd, growing his farm, striving for excellence in production and embracing technology and change for the betterment of his herd was always top priority for St Christopher Holsteins. Steve and Tina’s humble beginnings of a small house, barn and a few cows, grew to about 300 acres, over 100 milking cows and several new barns over the years. St Christopher Holsteins also participated in many shows throughout the years – taking home the blue ribbon on a few occasions. He supported the local 4-H club and many ag organizations. During his farming career, Steve was President of the BC Holstein Branch, President of the BCAI Centre, and a member of the Surrey Dyking Board. Steve and Tina enjoyed 66 years together before Tina passed away in June 2021 due to a failing heart. They are survived by their six children, thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Steffen Elgersma
May 22, 1926 – August 4, 2023
Steffen was born and raised in Harich,
Friesland, The Netherlands. He was the
oldest of 11 siblings. He met and married
Jane (Japke) on September 8, 1949. They
immigrated to Canada in August 1953 and
established Steffenia Farms in Chilliwack,
BC in 1970. Together they farmed and raised
their family of five children. Steffen was a
man of faith and volunteered at Chilliwack
Hospital visiting, reading and praying with
patients for many years. He was involved in
the Full Gospel Business Men and served in
many capacities on the Executive and rarely
missed the weekly prayer meeting held at Chilliwack City Hall. Upon Jane’s passing in 2012, he continued to read and visit patients at Cascade Lodge until 2020. In 2016, Steffen married Elisabeth Hoekstra.
Steffen is survived by his spouse, Elisabeth, his children; Elisabeth Apperloo of Chilliwack, Metske (Janna) Elgersma of Chilliwack, Annetta (Ed) Ooms of 100 Mile House and Daniel (Sheri) Elgersma of Bridge Lake. He is survived by 18 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and nine great, great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his first wife, Jane Elgersma in 2012, his son, Andy Elgersma in 1977, son-in-law Gerrit Apperloo in 2019; all of his sisters and two of his brothers.
Steffen left a legacy of faith, family and love.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the Fraser Home Health Support Team for their kindness and support Dad received over the past years.
UDDER NEWS NEXT PUBLISHING DEADLINE: JANUARY 12, 2024
Phone: 604-855-1240 • E-mail: chris@holsteinnews.com (Winter 2024 Issue in mail: February 13)
On October 21, Daniel Huizing and Rachelle Gidlof were married in their back yard with the reception in their shop. It was a beautiful day. Chris and Diana Huizing of Country Charm Farms, Abbotsford, along with Lesley Kennedy and Eric Gidlof are thrilled to announce this exciting milestone!
John (Johannes)
Kampman December 19, 1939 – September 28, 2023
John Kampman was born on December 19, 1939 in Vroomshoop, the Netherlands. He was the seventh of 11 children. In 1950 the Kampman family immigrated to Canada and settled in southern Alberta until 1954 when they moved to Abbotsford, BC. Going
to school and helping on the farm would become a daily routine. He also spent a number of years working in Calgary laying sidewalks, at a golf course, and driving a delivery truck. In 1963 he married Teresa Dam.
After working for different farmers, he decided that he would like to begin farming for himself. Upon hearing that his brothers Albert and Bill were taking over the family farm he made arrangements to rent the farm on Hallert Rd. his brother Bill was vacating, to start farming. They moved there in 1964 and at that time they also started their family.
In the first number of years, John worked together with his brothers by sharing machinery and manual labour when needed. During this time, he took on odd jobs, including chimney sweeping, in order to support his growing family and make a go of farming.
Even though he was busy with farming, John found time to volunteer for many organizations. This he continued to do after his sons took over the farming operation in 1994. Some of the organizations he was involved with were First Christian Reformed Church, Abbotsford Christian School, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Lower Fraser Valley Hockey Association, Telecare Crisis and Caring Line, Citizens Patrol, and Bibles for Missions. John and Teresa also volunteered for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver as well as the Paralympics in Whistler. Upon retirement they enjoyed many holidays, including cruises and bus tours.
About seven years ago, John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and in 2020 he contracted Covid-19 when he was in the hospital for observation. Needing more help than was available at home, he was transferred to TRIM (The Residence in Mission) where he resided till September 28, 2023.
He was predeceased by a granddaughter. He is survived by his wife of 59 years and his children: Julia (John) Olthuis, Abbotsford; Henrietta (Chris) Groenendijk, Greendike Farm, Chemainus; Albert D. (Carmen) Kampman, Bertohn Farms, Langham, SK; Cheryl (Marvin) Kingma, Chilliwack; John E. (Laura) Kampman, Gracemar Farms, Chilliwack. Also survived by Don (Tammy) Tran, Abbotsford; Ken (Joy) Tran, Abbotsford; 25 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Parm Kooner
Relationship Manager 604-360-1740
Grace Browne
Relationship Manager 604-799-2437
CHRISTMAS 2023  WC DAIRY NEWS 61