Obituary - Johannes-John Doolaar

Johannes (John) Doolaar, beloved husband of Magdalena Doolaar, peacefully passed away at the Good Samaritan Facility on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at the age of 85 years. Johannes was born on November 13, 1922, in The Netherlands, a son to Frans and Hendrike Doolaar. With The Netherlands being home, it was there that he married Magdalena van der Sluis on October 25, 1950. The family moved to Canada, first settling in Ottawa where he started a career in the printing industry with R.L. Crain, and spanned 25 years finishing in Medicine Hat. Throughout the years, John proved to be devoted to many organizations and affiliations including the Royal Canadian Legion, Kiwanis Club and the Christian Reformed Church. John also served in Indonesia with the Dutch Armed Forces. For many years, John sang in the Choir at the Fifth Avenue United Church and with the Adele Armstrong Singers. He was passionate about his wife and family whom he enjoyed spending time with going on annual camping trips as well as family adventures to the Gatineau Hills. He also liked to attend the Spring Tulip Festival in Ottawa, reading, puzzles, gardening and going for walks to take in the beauty of the nature around him. John's deep faith was an inspiration to all who knew him and he will be sadly missed by his wife, Magdalena; children, Frans (Sandy) Doolaar, Margaret Doolaar, Evelyn (Mark) Beaton, Lucille (Murray) Scheidl and Johanna (Tracy) Kisell as well as 10 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Frans and Hendrike Doolaar; two brothers and one sister in The Netherlands. The Funeral Service will be held at the Christian Reformed Church, 300 Primrose Drive S.E., Medicine Hat on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor George Koopmans officiating. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Johannes' name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102 Crestwood Square One, 1865 Dunmore Road S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 1Z8. A Tribute to Johannes ... Johannes...will be missed! This past Saturday, the life of Johannes Doolaar was celebrated at the Christian Reformed Church, with family, friends and former choir members strong in attendance. Pastor George led the congregation in prayer and reflected a message of hope. His family offered heart warming words before the video tribute portrayed the significance of his life... and having the honour to carry grandpa to his final resting place, were his family including his grandchildren... Johannes would have been proud. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. His Life Lived... His Life Cherished... His Life Honoured.