John Boogaard

John Boogaard, (no, he did not have a middle name) born October 1, 1924, went to live with the Lord and our Mom, February 20, 2023. He was 98 years, 4 months and 20 days old. He was the son of George and Adrianna Boogaard, the 5th child of six and the last living child of his siblings.

If there is one word to describe John Boogaard, it is SERVANT. He was a servant to the Lord, his family, the public and his country.

A SERVANT TO HIS GOD:

Dad served as Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon and Elder. If he was called, he went. There was not a meal that we did not start and thank God for that meal. We learned if there were two services on Sunday, we went to both. If there was a youth group meeting, that is where we were expected to be. We learned, even though it was very expensive and Mom had to go to work to help pay for it, a Christian education was what we needed.

A SERVANT TO HIS FAMILY:

We learned through assigned chores, it took all of us with Mom and Dad both working, to keep up with the house and yard. We learned respect for pastors and teachers serving the Lord. We learned through outside activities there is more in and to life. We learned an education is very important to improve and to support ourselves and families. Mom and Dad did not have the money or was it right for them to support us. With four kids and all our activities, there was always time for Dad to be there and be involved in leadership in our activities. Even though there was not a lot of money, there always was time and gifts for birthdays, Christmas and vacations. We learned of the respect and love Dad had for Mom. I don’t remember a time when Dad did not give Mom a kiss goodbye when he was going somewhere. Even in their later years and Mom had more and more needs, he made sure Mom was taken care of by himself or his kids. In their last months, with Dad in assisted living and Mom in full care and only allowed four meetings per week, Dad would call Mom daily and always make those four meetings. He was still caring for her. It wasn’t until Mom went to be with the Lord, 30 days before their 75th wedding anniversary, that Dad himself declined physically.

A SERVANT TO HIS COMMUNITY:

I already mentioned as we were involved with many outside activities, Dad would not just attend, he would get involved in those activities. He would pick up poor kids in South Hanford and take them to games and practices. There were days when we could not find our old gloves, hats and shoes. Dad had given them to the kids who needed them. He restored the little league snack bar to raise funds so kids could play. That meant buying candy bars and popcorn daily. It meant washing the sticky nickels and dimes, putting them in rolls and depositing them. Dad served on the Little League Board, the Babe Ruth Board, and High School Athletic Boosters when we got to those levels. Dad served on the Hanford Recreation Board to make sure there were activities for all kids. I also mentioned he thought education was important. Dad served on the Hanford Christian School Board, the Hanford High School Board and the Kings County Board of Education. The Kings County Board of Education named a building for him because of his service. Dad did more than just serve on boards. He drove cancer patients to appointments for years until physically he could not do it. For years our house hosted voters in our area. In 2002, Dad was voted into the Lemoore High School Alumni Hall of Fame for his service to the community. In 2012, Dad and Mom were named king and queen of the Hanford Homecoming Parade. In 2013, Dad was named the Hanford Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award Winner.

A SERVANT TO HIS COUNTRY:

Dad was inducted into the army on March 7, 1945. After basic training, he graduated from airplane mechanic school. He was promoted to corporal on June 24, 1946 and to sergeant on August 26, 1946. He received an honorable discharge on November 8, 1946.

John Boogaard, a servant for his God, a servant for his family, a servant for his community and a servant for his country.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the Salvation Army.