Homer John Tjaarda

Homer passed away on Monday, July 2nd surrounded by his family at Salem Hospital. Homer was born in Echten, Netherlands to Pier and Grace Tjaarda on January 18, 1934. He was the second oldest of 12 children. He was raised on a dairy farm in Holland.

He met the love of his life, Sally DeVries in Echten, Netherlands at a local Sunday evening youth gathering in 1950. Shortly thereafter, they were married on September 25, 1952 in the County of Lemmer, Netherlands. Homer's father, mother and siblings then immigrated to the United States in May 1952. Homer and Sally followed, immigrating to the United States in April of 1954. They settled in California where Homer worked as a dairy foreman.

Homer and Sally had seven children, five boys and two girls. Their oldest son was born in Holland, then they had five children in California and their youngest son was born in Salem, Oregon. They moved to Salem in December of 1970 where Homer worked for the Salem Area Transit.

Homer and Sally enjoyed several years of traveling by R.V. to Alaska and the surrounding Pacific Northwest. They traveled through the Northern Mid-West on their way to Canada to see Niagara Falls and family. Homer enjoyed panning for gold and the outdoors. He also enjoyed using his metal detector on the beach. He loved his Dutch music, as well as, playing his guitar, auto harp and accordion. He also loved his vegetable gardening.

Homer was a long time believer and loved the Lord. He was brought up in the Christian Reformed Church and later on in life started attending the Assemblies of God Church where he took an active role in several ministries. Most recently, he and Sally attended Christian Center of Salem where both were active in the Prime Timers. Homer will always be remembered for his work ethic that he passed on to his children. He worked hard to provide for his family. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his son Jim Tjaarda; parents, Pier and Grace; sister, Joyce Kootstra and his younger brother, Harmen Tjaarda. He is survived by Sally, his wife of almost 60 years; children, Pete (Judy) Tjaarda, Anja (Dick) Bielenberg, Tom Tjaarda, John Tjaarda, William (Cindy) Tjaarda and Grace (Chris) Kreick; 18 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; siblings, Ed, Helen, Greta, John, Clara, Roy, Patricia, Andy, Tina and many extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made in Homer's name to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or Christian Center of Salem.