KOAT, Rienk born October 4, 1923
in Velp, The Netherlands, and died January 27, 2005 in Langley, B.C. Predeceased by the love of his life, his wife Cornelia (nee Hartog), he is lovingly remembered by his children and their spouses: Sixten and Cheryl, Langley; Alice and Steve, Roberts Creek; Calvin and Patricia, Vancouver.
He is survived by two brothers in Canada: Pete Koot and Ray Koot; and two sisters in The Netherlands: Martha de Rooij and Wil de Rooi. He was blessed with six grandchildren: Teresa (John) Koetsier, Peter (Crystal) Koat, Rachel (Jason) Fordham, Benjamin Koat (Natascha Lethbridge), Felix and Hannah Westlake, and four great-grandchildren: Gabrielle, Ethan, Aidan and Elara.
Rienk and Corry, with infant Sixten, immigrated to Canada in 1951, leaving Amsterdam for the B.C. wilderness. After labouring in sawmills and working for the B.C. Forest Service, Rienk returned to his studies, graduating from UBC with a BEd in 1968. He taught for 27 years in the Langley and Aldergrove school districts, imparting his love of literature, composition, and critical thinking to many grateful students. He advanced his own education, obtaining an MA (Ed) from SFU in 1974. He exercised his love of music by singing with the Maysfield Singers, the Golden Age Singers, and by practicing his well-loved piano. Rienk also served faithfully in the Canadian Reformed Church as an organist, elder, & unofficial grammar protector. He spent many hours of his retirement meticulously translating theological works from Dutch to English.
He died peacefully, in hospital, after a short illness. The family thanks Dr. Ng and the staff of Langley Memorial Hospital for their care. His later life was brightened and eased by the warm, personal ministrations of Margaret Olij and Hennie VanGorkum, to whom we are very grateful.A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 10:30 am, at the Langley Canadian Reformed Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Canadian Reformed World Relief.
"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made
heaven and earth." -Psalm 121