Jan Thymen Graafland
On May 19, 2026, at the age of 90, Jan Thymen Graafland breathed his last breath here on earth, and entered into eternal glory.
Jan was born on December 13th, 1935, to Bastiaan and Fijtje Graafland in Berkel en Rodenrijs, The Netherlands. He was the youngest of a family of 9, 2 siblings died in infancy. He grew up in the midst of greenhouses and started working at different greenhouses from an early age. In 1963 he married Helena (Leni) Bloemberg and together they were blessed with 3 children. In 1986 they immigrated to Canada and settled in the countryside South of Elm Creek. Jan found work at Vanderveen’s greenhouses, where he enjoyed working for more than 25 years. He also loved working in the garden and sharing homegrown vegetables with others. He helped out others in their gardens as well. Jan and Leni loved camping and travelling, first while living in Europe and later here in Canada. They were also able to enjoy several trips back to the Netherlands to visit family and holidaying in Europe. In 2019 his health declined and he could not walk anymore, and early 2020 he moved to the Boyne lodge. There he enjoyed sitting outside and visiting with people.
Jan leaves behind his wife of 62 years Helena, his children (Ben in loving memory) Dorothy Graafland, Maaike and Ralph Borst, Monique Graafland, 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
We are very grateful for the care Jan received in the Boyne lodge and also in the different hospitals he has been cared for in the last few years when he needed extra medical care. We also want to thank the church community and friends for their numerous visits, cards and telephone calls.
On May 19, 2026, at the age of 90, Jan Thymen Graafland breathed his last breath here on earth, and entered into eternal glory.
Jan was born on December 13th, 1935, to Bastiaan and Fijtje Graafland in Berkel en Rodenrijs, The Netherlands. He was the youngest of a family of 9, 2 siblings died in infancy. He grew up in the midst of greenhouses and started working at different greenhouses from an early age. In 1963 he married Helena (Leni) Bloemberg and together they were blessed with 3 children. In 1986 they immigrated to Canada and settled in the countryside South of Elm Creek. Jan found work at Vanderveen’s greenhouses, where he enjoyed working for more than 25 years. He also loved working in the garden and sharing homegrown vegetables with others. He helped out others in their gardens as well. Jan and Leni loved camping and travelling, first while living in Europe and later here in Canada. They were also able to enjoy several trips back to the Netherlands to visit family and holidaying in Europe. In 2019 his health declined and he could not walk anymore, and early 2020 he moved to the Boyne lodge. There he enjoyed sitting outside and visiting with people.
Jan leaves behind his wife of 62 years Helena, his children (Ben in loving memory) Dorothy Graafland, Maaike and Ralph Borst, Monique Graafland, 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
We are very grateful for the care Jan received in the Boyne lodge and also in the different hospitals he has been cared for in the last few years when he needed extra medical care. We also want to thank the church community and friends for their numerous visits, cards and telephone calls.