Floris Blokland passed away at Heritage House, Stettler on June 12, 2016. Floris was born in Sliedrecht, Holland on April 1, 1923.
Floris met his future wife, Mary, while she was working as an aide for his ailing mother. Floris was a baker by trade, and during WWII, he was a forced labourer for the Germans in a bakery in Hamburg, Germany.
After the war he joined the Dutch Merchant Navy and travelled to many port cities in the world. He eventually returned to Holland to propose to Mary – but Mary refused to marry a sailor. Floris agreed to resign from the Merchant Navy if Mary would move to Canada.
Floris and Mary were united in marriage in 1949. In 1951, Rokus (Rocky) Blokland was born in Sliedrecht, Holland. Within the year, the young family immigrated to Canada.
They first stayed in Toronto and then moved to Timmins, where Emile was born in 1953. In 1963, Winnifer (Winnie) was born in Brandon, Manitoba. Shortly after Winnie’s birth the family moved to Yellowknife, NWT.
The Blokland’s final move was to Stettler in 1966, when they purchased Reg’s Bakery. Floris renamed it Blokes Bakery and it quickly became renowned for its fresh bread, cream johns and pastries!
Floris and Mary travelled extensively in their retirement years and saw many sights of the world. Floris also enjoyed gardening, fishing, baking cookies for his Christmas lists, and building furniture sets for all his grandchildren.
Predeceased by his wife Mary and great granddaughter Gracie, Floris is survived by his children; Rocky (Ellie) Blokland, Emile (Gail) Blokland, and Winnie (Ken) Bissett, grandchildren; Angela (Greg) Coulombe, Josh (Jocelyne) Blokland, Jody (Priscilla) Blokland, Kristina (Geoff) Blokland, Ian Blokland, Tim (Tania) Blokland, Kenny (Deanna) Bissett, Tyler Bissett, and Kelsey Bissett, many great grandchildren, other relatives, friends, and special friends Monty and Sharon Sommer. Floris was also “Opa” to Jeff, Karla and Ryan Sommer and their families.
If desired donations be made to Heartland Youth Center, Box 876 Stettler Alberta, T0C 2L0 or
Saving Grace Animal Sanctuary – Canada – Erin Deems, Box 461, Erskine, AB T0C 1G0.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.brennenfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Stettler. Box 193, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0. 403-742-3315.
