Adolf Devries

June 21, 1927 - July 11, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Father, Opa, and Great-Opa, Adolf de Vries, on July 11, 2022. He is survived by his children; Elzo de Vries (Lynn) and Carina Koop (Al), his grandchildren; David Koop, Benjamin Koop, Jessica O'Sullivan (Mike) , his great grandson Declan Koop, his sister, Tetje Buiter, his two sisters-in-law, Allie Burink and Mia Burink. Predeceased by his loving wife Martha, parents Elzo de Vries and Nantje Burema, and his two brothers; Ebbo (Tina) and Bouwinus (Treinie).
Dad was born June 21st, 1927 in Scheemda, The Netherlands, the oldest of four children. He was a WW2 veteran who served with the Koninklijke Mariniers, training in 1945 at Camp LeJeune in North Carolina and serving five years in the Dutch East Indies. During this time he started a pen pal correspondence with Mom. They married May 9, 1951 and welcomed their son, Elzo a year later in 1952 and their daughter Carina in1954. 
Opportunities in Canada for skilled workers sounded promising for Dad who had trained as a bench machinist. Our family immigrated to Canada, April 14th,1958, by plane to Montreal, then by train to Vancouver, finally arriving in Yale BC. 
"Dolf" worked for a short spell in the logging industry before becoming the Day Shift Bartender in the Yale Pub where he sported a dashing bow tie. He started "Dutch Cleaning Services" in 1970 which he operated for 35 years finally retiring at age 78. 
He took great pride in his community and gave back by becoming a long standing member of the Order of Foresters, an active participant in the Hope Brigade Days, a dedicated blood donor, and a term as President of the Golden Ages society. He was an avid gardener, always taking extreme pride in his crop of beans and tomatoes, as well as making his own juice, which we loved. 
Dad was an accomplished and enthusiastic bowler, making the "400" club and was happy telling us about his bowling score .He was a keen card player in Crib, Whist, and Rummikub.
If you had to raise your voice to him, know that his hearing was damaged by artillery fire and not by living a long life or just ignoring you. 
 In his 95 years of living, Papa showed many people how to be; determined, opinionated, truthful,  seek opportunities, dare a change of environment, learn a new language, and to persevere in life.  He had experienced many joys and sorrows. He dearly missed Martha, his "Matije" who passed away in 2012. In our hearts they are dancing and singing together once more.
We can't remember if he ever missed a Remembrance Day ceremony. He was a proud WW2 Veteran and the last of that era of Hope Legion Veterans.
We would like to thank the Home Support staff who enabled him to stay in his own house until a year before he passed. A big thank you to his Doctor and the friendly personnel at the Fraser Hope Lodge.
Services will be held at the Hope Legion on Sept 16, 2022 at 1 pm. First Memorial Funeral Services assisting. We welcome everyone who would like to participate in his Celebration of Life.