Obituary of Nicolaas Jan Hendrik Peereboom

Nicolaas Jan Hendrik (Nico) made his final journey on December 1, 2014. Born on October 5, 1928 in the port city of Surabaya on the island of Java in Indonesia, he is predeceased by his wife Kathleen Loretta, parents Nicolaas and Anna, and sisters Cory and Vicky. A devoted father, husband and friend, he will be forever loved and missed by his children Nick and Tanis, extended family and many friends. Trained as an accountant, he immigrated to Vancouver in 1952 in search of open spaces, tall mountains and free enterprise. Since his retirement from Federal Customs and Excise, he served as past president of the August 15, 1945 Foundation, a group of Second World War Pacific prison camp survivors who fought discrimination and racism through education and awareness; and until his recent illness, as leader and organizer of a Dutch-Indonesian Friendship group. Despite advancing years, Nico’s enthusiasm for life’s adventures and regular gym workouts kept him spry, with an optimistic, youthful outlook. He had a keen interest in current affairs and technology, and was an avid user of email. He was particularly fond of his most recent hobby, placer gold prospecting on his claims in the Fraser Canyon. Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, December 13, at 11:00am, at Burnett Fellowship Baptist Church, 20639 – 123 Ave., Maple Ridge. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to extend its deepest thanks to our dear friend Cindy Erskine, for her unfailing support and kindness during Dad’s illness, and also to the many dedicated doctors, nurses and staff at Maple Ridge Hospital and McKenney Creek Hospice. Special memories, recollections and condolences are welcome to be shared below.