Jan Anne Houweling

Jan was born August 31, 1956, the 5th child of Jan and Anne Houweling, in Capelle aan de IJssel, Netherlands. Jan immigrated to Canada in September of 1978, where he worked for his brother-in-law, Bill Schouten in the greenhouse industry. Over the years, he also worked for Burnaby Lake Greenhouses and Jonathan Interiors, before starting Coral International Truck Equipment LTD in 1986. He ran Coral for 40 years, with plans to retire on his 70th birthday.

Jan served as an elder for many years in Abbotsford Canadian Reformed Church, where he really enjoyed teaching Catechism classes, as well as serving the congregation. John also spent 23 years as a referee in the FVCJHA, where his boys gained a love for playing hockey, under their dad’s watchful eye. In his free time, Jan enjoyed camping and fishing, but his greatest joy was his family; his wife, children and grandchildren, as well as his brothers, sisters, in-laws, and numerous nieces and nephews nearby and far away.

Jan will be remembered by those close to him for his love of the Lord and the church; he enjoyed a good theological debate, and singing hymns and psalms. He will also be remembered for his ability to problem solve and fix nearly anything, the way his face lit up when his family was around, and the way that he would go out of his way to help others, regardless of the cost to himself.

Jan is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Veronica Houweling (nee Pol) His children Jennifer Houweling (Trevor Dillman), Steven (Colby) Houweling, Derek (Rose) Houweling, Herman (Hannah) Houweling and Rob (Jaden) Houweling. Jan is also survived by his grandchildren, whom he adored and loved spending time with; Maria, Chase, Brooke, Ethan, Levi, Ava, Kaden, Cohen, Jackson, Ella and Dean.

Jan is also survived by his siblings Hester (William) Schouten, Cor (Lia) Houweling, Joop (Elly) Houweling, Piet (Evelien) Houweling, Marieke (Jaap) Groenendyk, Herman (Elma) Houweling, Tom (Jeanet) Houweling and his brother in law and sister in law Bill (Teresa) Selles as well as his cherished nieces and nephews.

Jan was predeceased by his parents Jan and Anne Houweling as well as his in-laws John and Alice Pol.

Memorial service will take place on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 11:30am at the Abbotsford Canadian Reformed Church 33947 King Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M7. Live stream is available via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/ts2vOD5yNJE?feature=shared