December 20, 1930 - May 6, 2023
Martin Richard Berends passed away peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior May 6, 2023, at the age of 92.
Martin will be lovingly remembered by his three daughters Marilyn Sigouin, Karen (Jeff) Gordon, Sharon (Evan) Allison, 7 grandchildren Ryan (Jodie) Sigouin, Hannah (Kyle) Parker, Tyler Gordon (Dani Penner), Joshua Allison, Brooklyn Gordon, Rebekah (Brandon) Homan and Esther Allison. Five great-grandchildren Hunter Rempel, Alex Sigouin, Max Sigouin, Kayden Homan and Maycee Parker.
Martin is also survived by one brother John (Hilda) Berends, as well as several in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Martin was predeceased by his loving wife Greta, brothers Albert, Gerry, Anjo, sister Sandra, grand-daughter Alissa and son-in-law Robert.
Martin was born in Haren, Netherlands December 20, 1930, to Andreas and Gesina Berends (Holtman). Martin left the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada in 1954 with his parents and three siblings where they settled in Taber, Alberta. Taber was where Martin met the love of his life Greta Reitsma while attending a Church youth group.
They were married on September 19, 1958, in Taber, Alberta and began to raise a family in Duncan, BC. as Martin was employed at the Chemainus sawmill.
When Martin took a transfer to another sawmill he relocated his young family to Powell River, BC in 1969. Martin retired from the Powell River mill in 1993 and began to enjoy retired life. In 1994 they decided to move to the lower mainland (Mission & Abbotsford) to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Martin was an avid gardener, and his family would enjoy the bountiful harvest from the vegetable garden that he faithfully tended to. He took care and pride of his flower gardens and lawn, a pastime he thoroughly enjoyed. Golfing was another pastime that he took pleasure in and would always be ready to head to the golf course with his son-in-law's.
Martin really struggled with his health the last few years however his strength and determination was inspiring. He rarely complained and remained steadfast in his faith which provided him much peace the last few days of his life here on earth.
The family would like to thank the staff of Tabor Home for their care and compassion during Martin's time there and especially during his final days.
A funeral service will be held on May 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Living Hope Christian Reformed Church, 34631 Old Clayburn Road, Abbotsford, BC
Martin will be laid to rest at Cedar Valley Memorial Garden in the Field of Honour, 2347 Cedar Road, Cedar, BC
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Martin can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Living Hope Missions.
Online tributes and condolences to the family may be made at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com
Woodlawn Funeral Home - 604-853-2643
Service Details
11:00 AM