Hans Terpstra

Hans was born on May 30, 1939, in Tijnje, a small village in the province of Friesland, the Netherlands. He was raised speaking the Friesian language and later learned Dutch when he began elementary school. Growing up during the difficult years of World War II, Hans often recalled learning to play football (soccer) at the age of six while wearing wooden shoes, known as klompen, because leather boots were scarce and there was little money to spare.

One of Hans' earliest memories was witnessing the liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian soldiers in May 1945, when he was six years old. The kindness and courage of those soldiers left a lasting impression on him, and years later, Canada would become his home.

As a young man, Hans attended technical school with the goal of becoming a tool and die maker. After two years, a school director recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue marine engineering, a profession greatly needed in the Dutch merchant navy after the war. Sponsored by a Dutch shipping company, Hans completed a two-year engineering program and fulfilled his commitment by serving two and a half years at sea. Those experiences instilled in him the discipline, determination, and work ethic that would define his life.

At the age of 21, after a tour and as a passenger on a Holland America ship, Hans met the love of his life, Atty. Although she was living in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her parents and six sisters, she had returned to the Netherlands for a visit. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong love story.

Hans experienced significant loss in his early years. His mother passed away in 1954, and his father died of cancer in April 1962. Shortly afterward, Hans immigrated to Canada in May 1962. He and Atty were married on December 1, 1962, beginning a devoted marriage that would span more than sixty-three years.

Together they built a loving family and were blessed with five children: Rudy, Mark, Tonja, Peter, and Paul. During those years, Hans and Atty's lives were transformed when they placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Their Christian faith became the foundation of their marriage, family, and daily life, guiding them through both joys and challenges with hope and gratitude.

Professionally, Hans built a respected career in British Columbia's forest industry, serving as a Construction Supervisor for the Pulp and Paper Mill in Campbell River, British Columbia. He was known for his strong work ethic, practical wisdom, and ability to lead by example.

Hans will be remembered for his remarkable journey from a small Friesian village to a life in Canada, his devotion to his family, his love of the sea, his dedication to his work, and above all, his steadfast faith in God. He lived with humility, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for the blessings he had received.

Hans is lovingly remembered by his wife, Atty; his children Rudy (Shelley), Mark (Lorie), Tonja (Mustapha), Peter (Nicole), and Paul (Misty); his grandchildren Amanda (Kayla), Brad, Tessa (Jake), Dayton (Jojo), Wesley, Rhiannon, Parker, Tasia, Poppy, Micah, and Summit; and great-grandchildren Amora, Malik, Raiden; and many relatives and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. His legacy of faith, hard work, and love for family will continue through the generations that follow.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at New Life Church, Duncan, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hans's memory may be made to Duncan Christian School.

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17.