John Van Boeyen

Our dad, Jan van Boeijen’s (Dutch pronunciation:  Yawn ven Booo-yen), life journey came to an end on August 3, 2011.  We are comforted knowing he is in his Lord’s rose garden meeting again with his parents Mientje and Lubbert, as well as siblings Elbertha, Andries and Antje.
Dad would have been the first person to say he never imagined his passage would last 92 years, 8 months.  His long and exciting expedition started in Rock Valley, Iowa where his parents emigrated from the Netherlands.  John and younger brother Andy were rambunctious kids who became known in town as the “Boeijen Boys”.  We were often entertained with his childhood stories particularly about the many tricks they played on sisters Bertha, Ann, and Louise.  It was during a Christian Endeavor event at church that he met Irene, another 100% Hollander, who became his true love and companion for life.   Mom and Dad were married 72 years ago in Davenport, Iowa.
The next portion of Dad’s life excursion included road construction jobs throughout various states.  South Dakota was home base and where driving heavy equipment turned into transporting and selling Millers Hi Life beer.   A family vacation to Manchester, Washington in 1953 to visit Mom’s sister Alberta Dodeward proved to be permanent.  His truck driving experience landed him a job with South Kitsap School District transportation division.  During Dad’s 27 year employment with S.K. his Dutch characteristics of being hard-working and determined served him well.  Over his career he drove a school bus, started the coal furnaces at 4 a.m., performed summer building maintenance duties, and finally was a school bus mechanic/driver trainer.
Manchester became our home because it was the perfect place to raise a family, launch a fishing boat, enjoy the views, and become involved in a community of true friends. Dad at one time attended Manchester Community Church and was one of the original citizens who formed the Manchester sewer district and then served several years as a commissioner. It was good friend and neighbor Everett Strode who introduced him to the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2338, a membership that lasted 53 years. Dad was also part of the Port Orchard Fathoms O’ Fun float committee and was one of the original crew who started the annual Manchester Salmon Bake.  More importantly, he enjoyed sharing our activities: Lyle’s high school and professional baseball career, Larry’s drag racing and car repair/restoration projects well as Betty and Bill’s various endeavors. Dad was also an avid S.K.H.S. sports fan and was very proud to watch grandsons Lyle Jr. and Derek’s baseball and football games.
Dad’s retirement years included trips south to enjoy warm weather and visits with his brother Andy in Arizona.  Mom and Dad trailer camped extensively around the Northwest with the Ramblin Eagles RV Club.  It was during one of their camping trips at Fort Flagler State Park that his heart failed.  This life changing experience 25 years ago slowed him but heightened his armchair enjoyment of the Seattle sports teams, particularly the Mariners.  In 1991 Mom and Dad moved from their Manchester home to live next door to Lyle Sr. in Port Orchard.
Our Dad’s life journey ended because of congestive heart failure and Parkinson’s disease.  We were blessed that during these last months’ his Dutch trait of not giving up easily has taught us a final lesson.  Surviving are his devoted wife Irene, children Lyle Sr., Larry, Betty (Bob Kieburtz), and Bill (Vicki).  Other family members grieving include his sister Louise Koomia (Rock Valley, Iowa), sister-in-law Alberta Dodeward (Port Orchard)  as well as grandchildren Lyle Jr., Derek, Lisa, Sheri and their children Judy, Chase, Brett, Kyle, Dustin, Katie, and Megan in addition the many Koomia, Horner, Bobeldyk, Tewksbury, Boscaljon and Dodeward nephews and nieces.
Dad, may your journey beyond the rose garden give you eternal peace and happiness.
With Love,
Lyle, Larry, Betty and Bill