Albert Groen

Albert was born on June 20, 1937 in Zorgvliet, the Netherlands, the 9th child of Hendrikus Groen and Aaltje Donker.  He grew up in a family of 10 siblings.

After his compulsory army service in the Netherlands, he followed three of his brothers (Ralph, Harm and Sij) to Canada in 1958, and took the long trip by train across the country to Smithers.    After working for a couple of months on a farm, he started working in the Sawmill in Smithers, which he stayed at until he retired in 1995.  

In 1964 he went back to Holland to ask Bertha to come to Canada and get married there.  Thankfully she said yes, they were married shortly after in Smithers, and they were blessed with two sons, Tony (1965) and Dave (1969).

After retirement in 1995, Albert and Bertha bought a motorhome and travelled and camped their summers away.   Mexico was their favourite spot to go in the winter.   He also loved fishing and was a very successful and regular visitor at Idiot Rock in Witset.  The salmon there did not have a chance when he stood on the Rock.   He also started skiing at age 50 and spent many days up on the ski hill.  He skied until he was 75 years old – quite a feat!    It was after having an appendectomy at age 75 that he finally had to slow down the fishing and skiing. 

During the last 5 years of his life he battled cancer, and his faith became his comfort.  He passed peacefully on Monday morning.

Albert is survived by his wife Bertha, brothers Harm and Sij, sisters, Geertje and Klazina, his two sons Tony and Dave, and 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service was held on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Smithers Cemetery.

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