James "Jim" Leonard Verbaas

   It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James “Jim” Verbaas on August 6, 2022 at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre, Blairmore, AB. He was 82 years of age.

   Jim was born on July 10, 1940 in Abbenes, Holland to parents, Johannes and Dirjke Verbaas. The family immigrated to Canada in 1952 where they first settled in Picture Butte, AB. From there, they relocated to the Burmis Camp at Burmis, AB before making Bellevue, AB their home. After meeting and falling in love with Linda Romanchuk, Jim proposed and they were joined in holy matrimony on July 20, 1968. The happy couple went on to be blessed with a beautiful family of their own and fifty-four years of marriage and devotion.

   Whether hunting, fishing, hiking, or camping, Jim loved being out in nature. He also enjoyed rock polishing and was a talented photographer. Jim was a well-known jokester and he could entertain for hours with his singing and master storytelling skills. He was an active member of the Hillcrest Fish and Game Protective Association, the Willow Valley Trophy Club, and the Bellevue Seniors Club. His commitment to his community, and his faith, was further evident through his role as an Elder with the Bellevue Christian Reform Church. Over the years, Jim was fortunate to be able to take several trips with family. He went to Alaska with his son, to Holland with his brother, Conrad, and to England and Scotland with his beloved wife.  Jim’s was a life well-lived and he will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

   Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life is his wife, Linda Verbaas of Blairmore, AB; his son, Leonard (Thyra) Verbaas of Coldstream, BC; his daughter, Melissa (Mikey) Blais of Gracefield, QC; his grandchildren, Hannah, Sarah, Jared and Nicholas (Chelsea); his brothers, Henry Verbaas of Blairmore, AB and Conrad (Anne) Verbaas of Bellevue, AB; his brother-in-law, Charlie Martin; as well as his extended family and many friends.

   He was predeceased by his parents, Dirkje and Johannes Verbaas; his brother, Jake Verbaas; and his sisters, Heltje Verbaas, Betsie (Arie) Van Der Linden and Susanna Martin.

   A Funeral Service will be held at Fantin’s Funeral Chapel (13461 – 20 Ave., Blairmore, AB) on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 2:00pm with Deacon Renso Castellarin presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Crowsnest Pass Food Bank (PO Box 675 Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0). Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555

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