Frederik Boven

On August 25, 2020 the Lord took home his humble servant, Frederick Boven.

He will be sorely missed by Bernice (nee Havinga). his wife of 67 years,

Predeceased by grandson Joel Wilson. he leaves behind, children Fred (Ruth), Ray (Shirley), Theresa (Paul Wilson) and Theo (Tena), grandchildren Matthew, Philip, Daniel, Alaina, Leanne, Julia, Michael, Gregory, Eric, Ian, Benjamin, Helen, Alison, 30 great-grandchildren, a sister Grietje (Netherlands)

Born 1927 in Winschoten, Netherlands, Fred grew up on a farm just outside of town and was raised in a devout Christian family. Living under German occupation through his teenage years, they were liberated by Canadians in 1945. That same year, he enlisted with the Dutch Army to serve in Indonesia. Upon returning home in 1948, he studied agriculture and began dating Bernice. Upon graduation, post-war Netherlands offered few opportunities in his field, so Fred joined the thousands of other citizens who were immigrating to Canada. His dream was to build a life that would allow Bernice and him to thrive and raise a family. Travelling by himself, he arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax in 1952, and took the train to Toronto, where he settled in Weston, eventually finding steady employment at Canada Packers. In 1953, he returned to Netherlands to marry and say goodbye to his parents and community. Fred and Bernice were married on July 7, 1953, and within a few days were on ship back to Toronto to start a new life together. And what a life of blessing they had. Raising four children and numerous foster children, working 30 years for Goodyear, and exploring and marvelling at the beauty of his adopted country. In 1984, they purchased a small cottage in Muskoka, as a place his children and grandchildren could enjoy with him. In 1987, he took early retirement and moved to Oakville. He spent his retirement gardening, raising birds, singing in a choir, and taking an active role as grandparent and great grandparent. In 2008, they moved to Holland Christian Homes in Brampton. Throughout his life, he enjoyed a close and humble walk with God, was active in church leadership, and supported numerous Christian causes.

Funeral on Friday August 28, interment to follow at Glen Oaks Memorial Gardens, Oakville.

Memorial donations can be made to The Lighthouse 1008 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5R 3G7. http://lighthousecentre.ca/contact-us/