Tribute

Matt Zeeman was born on June 21 1930 in Neder Horst den Berg, Holland and passed away on February 18, 2018 in Oliver.

Survived by his wife of 59 years Donna Zeeman.  Son Thomas (Gwen), son Richard (Samantha), daughter Lucy (Calvin).  Grandchildren Jared Zeeman (Amanda), Randee  Ede (Adam),  Rodney  Zeeman (Becky), Amanda Zeeman (Paul), Tyler Zeeman, Matt Zaste, Melissa Zaste.  Great Grandchildren Sasha, Isaac and Ben Zeeman, Jaxon and Brock Ede, Tanner, Parker and Piper Zeeman.  Nieces Lydia Miller and Sylvia Revell and nephew Andy Zeeman.  Predeceased by son Danny Zeeman (Shirley) and brother Andrew, sister in law Betty and dear Niece Sonja.  Twin sister Lise, sisters Mien and Marie and brother Pete, all who lived in Holland.

Matt immigrated to Canada with his eldest brother Andrew and family in 1954 and started his life in Canada working for Alex McGibbon.  In 1958 he started to work at the Mountain Sawmill in Christian Valley alongside many other young Dutchmen who had come to this country to have a better life after the war.  In the early 60s he moved back to Oliver and purchased the William Allyn Orchard which he ran as a family operation.

Matt also worked for the School District for 27 years.  He really enjoyed the students.  One year he and his brother Andrew went in a walk-a-thon to raise money for the Fairview School.  They walked all the way to Osoyoos in their wooden shoes.  Matt found many ways over the years to raise funds for the Student Council and upon his retirement he was presented with a gold watch by the students.  A gift he greatly treasured.

He loved to travel and took many trips back to Holland and members of his Dutch family often came to Canada to visit.  He was a co-founding member of the South Okanagan Good Sam’s Club and over the years enjoyed many campouts in BC and the US.   He, his brother Andrew and families went to Powell River every August to camp and salmon fish and made many wonderful memories.  He and Donna also enjoyed many cruises over the years and holidays in Mexico.

Matt was a great supporter of Ducks Unlimited, he was a committee member for over 20 years, co-chaired the Greenwing Committee and enjoyed the comradery of friendships of many dear people.  He was a founding member of the South Okanagan Spinners and Weavers and spent many a winter hour sitting at his spinning wheel.

In recent years Matt enjoyed his early morning visits to the A&W with all of his coffee buddies.

Matt was a man with a generous heart that dearly loved his family and enjoyed a life well lived.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers a donation to the “Oliver Park Project” toward a bench in Matt’s name would be greatly appreciated.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com