John Buit

Our beloved Father, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa, John Buit, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2021, at the age of 94 years, in Red Deer, Alberta. He was born on August 28, 1926, in Ommen, the Netherlands, and was the third of four children born to Marten and Stientje (Stolte) Buit. He immigrated on his own to Canada in April of 1948. In April 1951, he married Jean Ten Hove and together they raised their seven children, 2 daughters and 5 sons, on a dairy farm west of Blackfalds, in the Blindman Valley area.

After Dad completed his formal schooling in 1940, he worked on different farms, mostly during the war years. He did not talk a lot about those years but did speak often about the “Canadians” coming and liberating his town.  When the war was over he joined the Dutch Army, which he said the Canadian Army helped rebuild.  After two years, he immigrated to Canada, with the help of his Stolte relatives. Working on the George Stolte farm in the Woodynook area for 3 years was an exciting start to a new life and helped him perfect his mastery of the English language, which was an important goal for him. He enjoyed active participation in the Woodynook Church youth group, where he met his future bride, Jean Ten Hove. Together they started dairy farming, which he enjoyed all his life until his sons took over and he could semi-retire in his early fifties. He continued to help his sons on their farms, spent time riding and training his horses, and did some traveling with Mom.

Dad got involved with serving on farm and community boards.   A highlight was the winning of the Farm Family Award, where we were treated with a trip to the Alberta Legislature, meeting government dignitaries and a special banquet. He always enjoyed music and singing, playing in the Bentley Community Band, singing with the Forshee Farmers Singers and participating in the 100 voice 1967 Lacombe & District Centennial Choir. Dad enjoyed playing games, especially Wizard, at the Bentley Seniors Club and with the ”ladies” in Bentley and later, Lacombe. 

Dad delighted in family gatherings, marveling at the number of his descendants! He had a special way with the little ones, always giving them his big smile and loving attention. His church family and faithful worship at Woodynook Church was also a great blessing to him.   We remember Dad’s quiet, inner faith. He and Mom lived their lives for God and always gave thanks to Him for all the blessings they had received throughout their lives. Even during the difficult time of losing their youngest son Walter (age 9) in a tragic farm accident in 1972, their faith was their anchor. In his later years Dad often said he was ready to be in heaven. And now we, his family, rejoice that God took him home peacefully and in His time.

He is survived by his children: Sharyn (Bob) Lodewyk, Harvey (Dorothy), Marvin (Marianne), Lawrence (Monica), Judith (Herb) Grutterink, and Russ (Judi). He was a special Grandpa to 21 grandchildren and 64 cherished great-grandchildren. He is also survived by in-laws; Femmie Ten Hove, Dick Ten Hove, Betty & George Weenink and an abundance of nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his wife Jean, his youngest son Walter, grandson Brett Buit, brother Luke Buit and his wife Jenny, sisters Annie and husband Peter Humting and Aartje Buit.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sylvan Lake Lodge, Bethany Sylvan Lake and Points West Living for their kind, compassionate and gentle care given to Dad/Grandpa/Great-grandpa over the years.

A Private Family Funeral Service for John will be held  at Woody Nook CRC on March 27, 2021 at 1:00pm. Live Stream of the service will be available at: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=woody+nook+crc

A Public Come and Go Visitation will be held at Wilson’s Funeral Chapel on March 26, 2021 from 3-7:00pm. Please respect that only 20 people allowed in the building at a time due to COVID restrictions.

Memorial Donations in memory of John may be directed to the Canadian Food Grains Bank: https://foodgrainsbank.ca/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Buit, please visit our floral store.