IN MEMORY
Loved ones memories.
Ruth Visser was my mom. She passed suddenly in March of 2006. It seems like forever ago, yet seems like yesterday. What is to say about a mother? I miss her every day. Especially when my own kids do something I want to tell her about, when the new babies are born here on the farm, and when I have the flue. No matter how old we are, only our mom's can make us feel better in times of sickness or trouble. God bless you mom, I would have been lost without your constant prayers.
Ruth Visser, age 83 of Lynden, while surrounded by her loving family, went home to be with her beloved Lord and Savior on Friday, March 17.
The daughter of Ben and Sophia (Krumm) Wieberdink, Ruth was born in Milaca, Minnesota on July 13, 1922. She grew up in Minnesota and was married to Clarence Visser on September 28, 1942 in Walla Walla where Clarence was stationed with the US Army. In 1963 Ruth and Clarence and their family moved to the Lynden area. A homemaker Ruth also worked for a number of years at the Christian Health Care Center and also did volunteer work at the Hope Chest in Lynden.
Ruth was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church and enjoyed reading Christian novels. She was known for her cooking and baking and always had something ready for visitors. The love of Jesus Christ and her family provided both inspiration and purpose to Ruth's life.
Mrs. Visser is survived by her husband Clarence; children Gaylen and Sylvia Visser of Lynden, Randy and Geri Visser of Bellingham, Ken and Judy Visser of Lynden, Wanda and Don Williams of Everett, Dale and Jennifer Visser of Bellingham and Dawn Visser of Ferndale; son-in-law Dennis Kussman of Lynnwood; sixteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, sister Irene Vedders of Milaca, MN., brother Vernon and Mary Lou Wieberdink of Tucson, AZ and numerous other relatives.
Besides her parents she was preceded in death by and infant great-grandson, Christian Brouwer; Brother Aurther Wieberdink; sisters Abby Berghuis, Amanda Lundquist and Laura Wieberdink.
Clarence Visser was my dad. He was the best example of a REAL man that I have ever had the privilege to know. Devoted to his wife (above)for 63 years, and loved each of us kids until the day he died. My dad was gentle, funny and a hard worker. He used to pester me about getting married. He really thought that I should settle down and be a wife. I told him I never met a man like him and my standards were to high! Like knowing I was right, he just said "oh, ok" and left it at that with a little smirk on his face. Even in his old age he always had something to smirk about. I am going to miss him. I'm glad his frail old body is now new, in the arms of Jesus. He is finally reunited with mom. He missed her so much after her passing. He never quite accepted that she was really gone. Now I only have the grateful heart of being raised by an old traditional christian family, no fighting, no drama, always consistent and honest. Those qualities are hard to find in these times. Thanks to my mom and dad for being the best parents anyone could ever have!
Clarence Visser, age 89, of Lynden went home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009. He was born November 23, 1919 in Roseland, Minnesota to Arthur and Grace (Nype) Visser . Clarence grew up in Minnesota and served with the US Army during WWII. On Sept. 28, 1942, he married Ruth Wieberdink in Walla Walla where he was stationed with the military. He served in Italy as a medic. Upon Honorable Discharge he farmed in Minnesota until when, in 1963 Clarence and Ruth moved their family to the Lynden area. Actively involved in his church, Clarence was a former member of Everson Christian Reformed Church, where he served as Elder. He also participated in prison ministry and worked with the cardboard paper bailer for Lynden Christian Schools. A servant at heart, Clarence was always willing to lend a hand to family, friends and neighbors. His hobbies included playing card and board games and he enjoyed tour vacations. His gentle compassionate spirit and great sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.
Preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruth, of 63 years; Clarence is survived by children Gaylen (Sylvia) Visser of Lynden, Randy (Geri) Visser of Bellingham, Ken (Judy) Visser of Lynden, Wanda (Don) Williams of Everett, Dale (Jennifer) Visser of Bellingham and Dawn Visser of Ferndale; special (or endeared) friend Dennis Kussman of Lynnwood; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings Doward (Sylvia) of Willmar, MN, Janet Slagter of Prime, MN, Bill (Margaret) Visser of Sumas, Hilda (Virgil) Bohlsen of Clair City, MN, Dave (Florence) Visser , Ruth Van Hove, and Marjorie (Gerald) Groen all of Raymond, MN; and numerous other relatives. He was also preceded in death by an infant great-grandson, Christian Brouwer ; brothers Harold and Ray and brother-in-law, Ted Van Hove.
Visitation hours are scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. on Wed., Sept. 30 at Gillies Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted Thursday, Oct. 1, 1:00 pm at Monumenta Cemetery followed by a 2:00 pm memorial service at First Christian Reformed Church, 1010 Front St., Lynden. Memorials in Clarence's name are suggested to Christian Health Care Center, 855 Aaron Dr., Lynden, WA 98264.
Janeen M. McAtee was gathered up by The Good Shepard, our Lord Jesus Christ, Thursday, April 24, 2008. She was born November 5, 1945 in Seattle, WA, to C.W. and Ada (Goff) Johnson. Janeen is survived by her husband of 40 years, Dale K. McAtee, Daughter, Kristina Lynn and husband Shane Lewis, Son, Mark Clifford and wife Molly McAtee, Granddaughters, Paige and Hannah McAtee, Sister, Jonelyn and husband Jim Smith and numerous extended family. Everlasting praise to Janeen: Proverbs 31: 10-31.
Janeen blessed me when I was just a lonely, messed up child of 17 by entrusting a wonderful colt to my care. He became a "tie down" to reality and my future. Without her generosity, my life could have taken a path of uncertainty. With entrusting me with responsiblity, she paved the way to my future. This is a woman who changed my life and the subsequent lives of my own children. I will forever be greatful and hold her in the highest honor.
Just a few short months ago, she once again blessed me with entrusting me with yet another one of her beloved horses Kristal. I was so overwhelmed by this generous gift that for one of the first times ever(if you know me), was left speachless. When I go out to do chores I will be constantly reminded of a legacy of her wonderful breeding program when I look at Raffy, and all of their get and grandget that "spot" my feilds. I pray I can only do them justice...
Beloved horse memories.
A tribute to my best friend and king of our pastures.
KHE-RAFFON
April 10, 1982-March 31, 2010
Words can not express what Raffy has meant to me over the last 28 years. He came to me when we were both children, me a troubled 17 year old and him a fiery young colt. Over the course of the last 28 years we lived together as partners and best friends. Rarely can one find a bond with an animal for so many decades that was like ours. Raffy and I were like twins. He knew me and my emotions, physically and mentally...and I knew his. We didn't need english words to communicate. Whether we were riding way up in the hills of the Pacific northwest at the current poker ride, camping, barrel racing in an arena, showing native costume, halter or looking stupid trying to show Western pleasure (I looked stupid, he looked wonderful!) we were always like two beings in one. What can you say about a horse that you did everything with from 17-45 years of age? That is a LIFETIME. I am truly blessed.
Raffy was well loved by everyone who knew him personally. I have received phone calls from friends who were literally crying from grief over his passing. Those of us who knew him were never disappointed that he would do something funny to tickle our funny bones, or give us loving that only a soft hearted horse could accomplish. We were able to trust him with our kids for lessons or a ride in the pasture bareback with a halter. I remember one day coming home from work to discover that my own young daughter and friend had dressed him up like a barbie doll. When I drove up he was standing under his tree, halterless...with a pink DRESS on! The look on his face was PRICELESS! I am laughing out loud right now as I write this...the poor tolerant boy looked at me like "oh mom...PLEASE don't take a picture!" He was SO embarrassed! Another time some clients had come over to see him in person to help make a decision on whether or not they wanted to breed their mare with him. Some of you know that Raffy did tricks for me...and of course going out with him and showing off at liberty was one of the best ways to impress mare owners. Raffy went through his routine like a champion, he LOVED rearing, jumping, giving me all four feet, counting with both fronts, bowing and drinking anything out of a can...and especially when people would watch and clap, the more people would hoot and holler, the more animation he would muster. That day the ground was a tad slick and he was in prime form. He jumped up in the air with all four feet off the ground like a Lipizzaner stallion. He came down at a run, slipped and fell on his side sliding about 3 feet. He jumped up, ran to his tree, and hid his head behind the trunk.(he thought his whole body was behind it). I knew he was ok.. so of course I'm laughing as I realize he is embarrassed once again and is to ashamed to show his face. One of the people asked me what he was doing and I told him he was embarrassed. I remember him saying "horses don't get embarrassed" and my reply was "well, this one is different". About that time, Raffy sheepishly poked his head around the tree to see if we were all still watching him, upon discovery that indeed we WERE still watching, he quickly tucked his head back behind the trunk and let out a big sigh. SO funny. That gentleman's eyes got big, he shook his head and replied "well all be..he IS embarrassed!" LOL! Eventually I convinced Raffy to come out and we resumed our show.
There are SO many stories to tell, I could be here all day. So I am only going to tell you one more, a priceless moment with me riding JR (Raffy's look a like son) and my friend Mary riding Raffy. Raffy was known not to like to get his feet wet or to have baths. Although he tolerated both, his body language and look on his face when going through creeks or having a bath was hysterical! So Mary and I set off to the Nooksack river. (OH NO). She lived on the other side from me and she wanted to go across. I warned her that Raffy would drown in 3 feet of water and it probably wasn't a good idea. (DOUBLE OH NO). She rolled her eyes and convinced me to give it a try anyway. So she went first....lol...Raffy of course would attempt ANYTHING asked of him so he went in, the funny look on his face of course, and proceeded to cross. They got about 7 feet from shore and the water was getting a tad deeper..and the look on his face was getting even more funny. They headed down stream, the water started to build up his back legs past his hocks. He clamped his tail down which created a seal in which the water was able to build even further up his hind end. The water, being only about 2.5 feet deep at this point, went up and splashed him under his backside which caused him to wheel around, lose his footing and fall, splashing onto his side. He completely submerged himself, legs flailing, head under water (this is THREE FEET OF WATER PEOPLE), my friend Mary straddled over him.. he jumps up, her still in the saddle come rushing out past me and JR(who is watching all this and I know he's thinking "what the heck! DUDE!"), Raffy shaking his head to get the water out of his ears, blowing water out of his nose and Mary looking at me right in the eye with her glasses sideways as they bound past me... as if to say "your STUPID horse" HAHA!!
All I could say to Mary was "I TOLD you he would drown in 3 feet of water!!!" LOL! (Of course I wouldn't be laughing if they got hurt, but as it turns out, everyone was totally fine).
BLESS you folks who have called, sent flowers, well wishes and e-mails. It has meant the world to me. I am doing amazingly well with his loss, knowing that I made the right decision to let him go just at the right time. He was still mentally "all that", he was happy, had a great last night next to his favorite girl with all the carrots and grain he wanted. His eye sight was fading, his body strength could not keep up with his mind. He had trouble with balance the last months, and took a couple of falls that were harder to recover from. Night before his passing, he had slipped and fell again and this time it was hard for him to rise from the ground. I gave him some pain killers for the night...and decided that he needed to go with dignity and pride...ON HIS FEET. He went quietly with me by his side. He is buried in our large outdoor arena. We are planting a jumping hedge with flowers so he can be right in the middle of ALL the activity...right were he wanted to be 24/7. The CENTER of attention.
Rest in Peace dear Raffy. You are gone, but will NEVER be forgotten. You will always rule our pastures with your daughters, granddaughters, and now little Hottie, your great granddaughter. (pictured below). Thank you for all you have given me, the joy of knowing what a true Arabian is suppose to be. A best friend, protector and family member. Rest well in your eternal Tent. I love you and will always miss you.
KS Princess Kheara was lost due to a prolapse (uterus came out for those of you who don't know)after foaling in 2003. She was bred here in 1988 and lived as our pet, trail horse and dam. She graced us with 3 foals in 15 years. KS Bold Memories is her last filly (foal page) and we raised her without her beloved dam. Princess was Khe-Raffon's daughter out of my very first arabian mare Bahia Sultanna, who in turn was an Egyptian Prince grandaughter. Princess is greatly missed. I am very greatful I had 15 years with her. For those of you reading this who have considered breeding your mare and are worried about bad things happening, take this for example. Even tho Princess was the first and last mare I ever lost in foaling, it DOES happen. There are so many babies out there needing homes, consider purchasing one instead. Allot less heartache and money involved with purchasing a weanling instead of breeding one yourself. Princess gave birth to her Daughter KS Bold Memories (below) on a beautiful sunny Memorial day. This was the last picture we took of her. The vet put her to rest less than an hour later.
KS Dambold KC was lost 3 weeks after his birth due to clostritia. For those of you who do not know what it is, it would be good to look it up. Clostritia is a spore that is common, and 99% of horses are immune to it. KC unfortunatly was one of the 1% that was not. He was put to sleep shortly after showing clinical signs of illness.
