Robert Wiersma

  Robert John Wiersma, age 77, of Lynden, entered the glory of heaven on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018. He was born on May 9, 1940 to Ray and Norma Wiersma, the oldest of five siblings.
  On June 18, 1959 Bob married Sharon Smith in Sumas Christian Reformed Church. Together they had three children: Greg (Patsey) Wiersma, Shelley (Dave) Leenders and Jeff (Julie) Wiersma. They also had 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. In the mid-1960s they took the Point children into their family: Geri Joyce (deceased), Vernon Jr., Jeffrey Ross and Sharon.
  In 1976 Bob and Sharon moved to Sunnyside, where they lived for many years. They owned and operated the Sunnyside Livestock Market, which became the largest livestock market in the Northwest. At one time Greg, Shelley and Jeff were all employed there, and the Sunnyside market was later owned by Jeff. Bob also operated the Everson Auction Market. Auctions were always part of his life. Growing up, Bob worked for his dad and drove truck for the Lynden Auction Market. His grandpa, John Wiersma, and his dad, Ray Wiersma, were auctioneers. Now Greg’s son Bobby is also an auctioneer. Bob continued to buy and sell cattle in his retirement years. While in Sunnyside, Bob and Sharon also owned and operated Wiersma Mini Storage.
  Faithfully caring for his wife for a number of years, Bob was exemplary as a loving caregiver to Sharon.
  Bob loved being with people and always had a funny comment or two to make people laugh.
  In addition to his children, he is survived by: his siblings, Ron (Judy) Wiersma, Carol (Merle) Buwalda, Nyla VanSoest Smith and Ruth (Randy) Reimer; his in-laws, Phyllis Baird and Marlys (Jim) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews and countless friends.
  You are invited to join the family at visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, in Gillies Funeral Home of Lynden. A private graveside will be at noon Friday, Feb. 16, in Monumenta Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. in Second Christian Reformed Church, with Pastor Ben deRegt officiating.
  Memorials may be made to the Christian Health Care Center, 855 Aaron Dr., Lynden, WA 98264. You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
  Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.