William Boonstra

Bill Boonstra was a man of vision, he had the ability to see opportunities and possibilities. He was born into this world on January 13, 1932, as Willem Jan Boonstra, in Nuis, Netherlands. He was the eldest son of Hendrik and Antje Boonstra and had twelve siblings.

As a young man, he established ways and means of surviving the war years. His determination to have a better life brought him to Canada. On March 22, 1952, the Boonstra family boarded the Skaubryn, a Norwegian troop ship, and headed for Halifax, Canada. From there, they boarded the “immigration special” and proceeded across Canada by rail to their journey's end, Homewood, Manitoba. Winnipeg became the next destination, Dad and his brothers found employment with C.N. Rail and his sisters in stores and the garment industry. With everyone pooling their money, they soon had a home for family and friends.

There were many Dutch emigrants who arrived in the 50s and they needed each other to make this new land feel like home. One such group was the Flying Dutchmen football team. It was formed by several young men who wanted to play football. Dad and his brothers soon became players, with their father managing the team. Several of the team members had played second division in Holland and became the number two team in Manitoba.

Life’s surprises or maybe fate had a play in it, dad met the love of his life on his 23rd birthday. A young English girl, Margaret Ann Stevens, caught Dad's eye. They have shared 69 years of adventures together. 

The grass never stayed green under his feet, and he was off to Northwestern Ontario to farm. At this point, with 2 children as part of his destination and eventually, a larger farm became the new adventure, along with three more children added to the package. 

It was not long before Whitemouth became their new home and another new start. Dad took on the job of manager at Whiteshell Eggs and eventually owned an egg layer farm operation. Over the years, he accepted positions such as Councillor for the Whitemouth District Community Club, Executive director of the Egg Marketing Board, Vice President for the Regional Health Board, Building the Whitemouth Hall, Whitemouth District Recycling Center, and starting the Brokenhead Ventures Training Corp.

Of all his accomplishments, he was the proudest of his family: Margaret (Kerry), David (Sandi,) Henry, Danny, and Tricia (late Jim). Twelve Grandchildren: Chris (Dan) Michelle, Jenelle (Michael), Kathleen (Alexx), Rowen, Remy, Samantha (Thomas) Kimberly, Brandy (Gin), Tyson, Madison (Jade), Tristan, and six Great Grandchildren: George-Michael, Zadie, Alice, Maxwell, Jonathan and Jacqueline.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife Ann Boonstra, his children, his brother and close friend Gerrit (Eileen), sister-in-law Laura Boonstra, sister-in-law Emily Dyck, and brother-in-law Art Orme, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Thank you to the Nurses and Doctors for their kindness and care this past year of Dad’s final adventure.

In lieu of flowers, please donate either to the Beausejour Hospital TV Fund or the Selkirk Mental Health Facility, Tyndal Building Geriatric Care. 

A luncheon will be held at the Whitemouth Community Center on Feb 16, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. family and friends are asked to join us. 

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