BOUMAN, John – It is with heavy hearts that the Bouman family announces the peaceful passing of their loving patriarch, John “Pa” Bouman, on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at Vision Nursing Home in Sarnia. John passed away peacefully, at the age of 92, with Francis, his wife of nearly 69 years by his bedside and the love and support of the entire Bouman family. John’s legacy continues through the lives of his seven children, Lars (Rene) Bouman, Roy (Liz) Bouman, Mike (Cath) Bouman, Vickie (Steve Bentley) Bouman, Robin (Bernie) Dobbelaar, Pam (Eddie) Sommers, and Gainey (Mary Lynn) Bouman. He was fondly known as “Pa” to his 14 grandchildren, Todd (Stephanie) Bouman, Ryan Bouman, Jennifer (Ken) Sparks, Matthew (Jenn Long) Bouman, Jami (Adrian) Kloet, Josh (Amy Fox) Bouman, Nikki (Jeff) Halket, Kelly (Tonya) Moran, Chris (Becky Johnston) Dobbelaar, Daniel (Karri) Bouman, Adam Moran, Jordyn Dobbelaar, Travis Bentley and Tristan Bentley, and was a great-“Pa” to Chloe Sparks, Chance and Faith Bouman, Valley, Dylan and Mylie Kloet, Blake Bouman, Kyra and Lydia Moran, Cleo and Boe Halket, Seth Bouman, and Scarlett Dobbelaar. John arrived in Canada from Holland in 1951, eventually laying down roots along the St. Clair River in Sombra. He retired from Polysar Limited in 1987. John was an avid sailor on his boat, Rhapsody, which he docked for years at the Sarnia Yacht Club. He was a long-serving member of both the Lambton Shrine Club, playing the Musette in the club’s marching band, and St. Clair Masonic Lodge #425. He had strong hands, and stronger opinions, but the strongest of all was the love he had for his family. He will be greatly missed by the entire family, but his spirit as the Bouman patriarch will live on forever. A private celebration of John’s life was held at the Bouman family home following his passing. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the LHSC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or the Sarnia & District Humane Society (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to SMITH FUNERAL HOME , 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
