Melis Stoker

Melis was born April 7, 1932 in Oosterwolde, Friesland, to Taede and Hendrikje Stoker. He was the youngest of 10 children. He became an electrician by trade in Friesland. After his parents passed away, he immigrated to Ontario, Canada where he worked with his brothers doing drywall work and auto bodywork. He later moved to BC where he had another brother. Here after doing odd jobs, he settled into being an autobody mechanic.

He met his wife Hendrikje Wierda in 1962 and started dating after a New Years party and married on September 27, 1963. After traveling back to Ontario and Friesland to see their families they settled back in Langley BC. Their children Kathleen, Henrietta, Sydney, Theo and Teresa were born in the following 7 years.

He started farming in 1972 in the Mud Bay area. The family later moved to Deroche in 1977 where they purchased and started Melinke Farms. In 1991 they started a second farm; Fraser Edge Farms, where Syd began farming. Dad continued farming until his sons took over and he helped with fieldwork. In 2004 they moved off the home farm to a property between the two farms. There he continued to fix anything that needed fixing! He also had a few animals to still take care of, and always enjoyed walking with his dog.

When Dad suffered from a stroke they soon after moved to Carrington House in Mission. They then moved into Oxford in Abbotsford 2 years ago when they both needed more care. Dad always enjoyed the visits from their children, grandchildren, and many great grandchildren it was always a highlight to bring the newest baby for Dad to hold!

Dad had a strong faith in the Lord, and they regularly attended Living Hope CRC in Abbotsford. He is survived by his wife of 59 years his 5 children and their spouses and his 18 grandchildren and their spouses, and 28 great grandchildren.

A visitation for Melis will be held Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T2X5. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hazelwood Cemetery, 34070 Hazelwood Ave, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7R1. A memorial service will occur Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Living Hope Christian Reformed Church, 34631 Old Clayburn Rd, Abbotsford, British Columbia V2S 4H5.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Melis' memory may be made to Bethesda, https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E334130QE&id=7.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com for the Stoker family.