Tribute

Ted Warmerdam, aged 86 years old, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 8, 2017. He was the third eldest child of eight children born to John and Christine Warmerdam in Sassenheim, Netherlands. Seeing a threat to their homeland, the family moved to Canada individually, and Ted arrived in Winnipeg at the age of 18 years old. He was sponsored by a Dutch family and worked there for a short time before travelling west where he joined his brother, Pete. Over the next several years the rest of his family also arrived. He met the love of his life, Hazel, at a County Line dance. They were married and began their own family in Bradner, BC. Ted is survived and forever loved by his wife of 63 years, Hazel, his children Jeanette (Dale) Howes, Marilyn (Norm Bakusko) Roberts, Karen (Rod) Lockhart, and Bryan (Agnes) Warmerdam. He was loved deeply by his thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. He started working at MacMillan Bloedel and then made his livelihood on his daffodil farm in Bradner which was his pride and joy. Ted always said that a house is not a home without flowers. His life philosophy was to work hard and play hard. He taught this important lesson to his own children. He was a man of few words who proved that actions speak louder than words. He lived his life with much integrity and laughter was so important to him he made sure everyone around him would laugh out loud. Ted was a lifelong sports enthusiast and athlete and avidly supported his children and grandchildren in their pursuits. He coached, refereed and cheered them on at all their functions. He played soccer, hockey and skied well into his senior years. Ted was generous with his love – a loyal and fair man who lived for his family and friends. Suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, in the last three years of his life, he was cared for at The Mayfair by many loving care aids and staff. His family are eternally grateful for their love and support. His family welcomes you to join them in the Celebration of Ted’s Life at Bradner Hall on Saturday, December 16^th, 2017 at 1:00pm. Lunch will be provided. In lieu of flowers, his family wishes, if so deseired, that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.