Gerrit Polinder, age 93, passed away Saturday morning, March 16, 2019.
Gerrit was known for his memories of local history and compassionate work for the American Red Cross. One could see him walking to his cherished church, post office and bank during the day. He delighted in his nieces and nephews and their lives. He would give nicknames to them all and loved hearing about their successful adventures in life.
Gerrit was born Aug. 18, 1925, at the family farm on the Polinder Road to Gerrit and Wilhelmina (Heusinkveld) Polinder. Gerrit graduated from eighth grade at Lynden Christian and then received his high school diploma from Lynden High School in 1941. Gerrit was a longtime standing member of First Christian Reformed Church in Lynden and the oldest continuous member of that congregation.
After graduation, Gerrit worked for the Whatcom Farmers Coop fertilizer department as well as harvesting crops. He cared for his father for many years. During that time, they enjoyed sight-seeing and meeting relatives in the Midwest during their travels. Gerrit married Henrietta Klein on March 19, 1982. Together they volunteered with the Red Cross, helping many victims of disaster for 17 years. Henrietta and Gerrit cherished their time traveling many miles together in their motor home visiting friends and relatives across the United States.
Gerrit is survived by his sister, Joanne (Pete) Dykstra; nieces and nephews Dan (Terri) Noteboom, JoAnn (Hank) Roorda, Gayle (Carl) Van Weerdhuizen, Duke (Peggy) Dykstra and Mark (Debbie) Dykstra; step-daughter Hermina (Gus) Buma; step-son-in-law Eldon Peters; and other relatives.
Gerrit was preceded in death by his wife, Henrietta; parents, Gerrit and Minnie; sister Henrietta (Don) Noteboom; nephew Roger Dykstra; niece Linda Dykstra; and stepchildren Josephine Klein, Dorothy Kortlever and Josephine Peters.
Gerrit’s family deeply appreciates the love and care that he received at Lynden Manor for the past five years.
Visitation hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, in Gillies Funeral Home of Lynden. Graveside services will be at noon Wednesday, March 27, in Monumenta Cemetery followed by a 1 p.m. memorial service in First Christian Reformed Church, 1010 Front St.
Memorial gifts may be made to: American Red Cross, 1900 25th Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98144; or First Christian Reformed Church, 1010 Front St., Lynden, WA 98264.
Please share your memories and condolences in the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
