Tribute

It is with great love that we say goodbye to Peter Hofland, who passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024, at the age of 97. Born in Maassluis, Holland, on May 14, 1927, to Gerardus Hofland and Jeanette de Frenne. Peter was the last surviving member of a large family of 11 children. He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family in Holland.

Peter lived through the challenges of World War II, spending much of his youth in The Hague before seeking refuge on a dairy farm in northern Holland with his younger siblings. During the war, he enlisted in the Dutch Underground and later joined the Dutch Army in 1945, serving with the Allied forces in Malaysia and Indonesia until 1948.

After the war, Peter returned to Holland, where he worked and attended trade school. In 1958, Peter immigrated to Canada with his first wife and their son, Michael. While his wife struggled to adjust to life in Canada and returned to Holland with their son, Peter remained focused on building a new life here. He lived in Calgary for a time before meeting Florence Fisher and her two children, Barbara and John.

Peter and Florence had two children, Patricia and Jeffrey, before moving to Cranbrook in 1966. There, Peter established himself as a skilled tradesman, becoming a partner in Inland Painting Company and investing in local businesses, including City Glass and the Advertiser. He was an active and generous member of the community, known for his hard work and entrepreneurial spirit.

In 1981, Peter met Luella Johns from Missoula, Montana. They were married on February 26, 1983, and together built a home in Mayook, where they lived for 21 years. In 2007, they moved to Cranbrook, where they resided at Terra Lee Terrace. Peter continued to enjoy gardening and was always willing to lend a hand to others. Peter spent the last two years of his life in long-term care. When Peter moved into the Joseph Creek care facility, Luella sold their home and moved to Joseph Creek to be closer to him.

Peter cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was especially devoted to his three grandchildren in Mayook, Jeff, Allison and Laura. He played an important role in their lives and his legacy lives on through them.

Peter is survived by his wife, Luella Hofland, and his children: Barbara Fisher (Cranbrook), John Fisher (Edmonton), Patricia Johnson (Ron Johnson) (Cardston), and Jeffrey Wilschut (Campbell River). He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, as well as stepchildren Douglas Johns (deceased) Melissa, Alan Johns (Linda), Jerald Johns (Jody), and Richard Johns. Peter was a proud step-grandfather to 14 step-grandchildren and step-great-grandfather to 16 step-great-grandchildren, as well as a step-great-great-grandfather to one.

Peter will be missed by his family and friends, both near and far. His legacy of generosity, hard work, and devotion to family will be remembered by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held in his honor, and donations can be made in his name to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Rest in peace, Peter. Your memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 300 – 6th Ave. S., Cranbrook, BC.