Albert Seinen was born December 30, 1923 near Hardenberg, Holland to Albert Seinen and Grietje Seinen-Stad.
From an early age, his love for animals was obvious, and he vowed that when he grew up he would be a “farmer with a dog.”
When he was seventeen, he met Maria, the love of his life. Two years after they were married, they decided to go to Canada. They arrived in Houston, BC in 1949, which remained home to him ever since.
Dad loved Canada and never regretted moving. Here he was able to buy land for his own farm, which he developed into a dairy. Many Houston people will remember him as the milkman who delivered milk in glass bottles with the “Alma’s Dairy” cap on top. He enjoyed building things with his own hands, and several homes, barns and many sheds were constructed over the years.
Dad was musical, and you always knew where he was because he was always singing - on the tractor, while he was milking, while he was working at his sawmill or hoeing the garden. He had a lovely tenor voice. He also liked fishing, and he and brother Bert often went out after supper to put a line in the river. Later, he and Mom fished many of the lakes around Houston. He enjoyed hiking up to lookout areas, and would often return with a bouquet of wildflowers or a Thermos full of huckleberries. He was an avid reader.
After the children were grown, Dad and Mom did a lot of travelling, and he never tired of discovering new countries and cultures.
When he became a grandfather and great-grandfather, he delighted in bouncing babies on his knee. His love for all young things continued, right down to calves, kittens and puppies. He had two dogs right up to the day he died.
Dad passed into the presence of his Lord on December 17, 2014, just days before his 91st birthday. He was predeceased by all his siblings, and will be greatly missed by Maria, his wife of almost 68 years, and Grace (John Hols), Henry (Sylvia), Ann (Ross Alexander), Lucy (Stan Spletzer), Albert, and Clarence (Bobby) as well as 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
We thank God for the spiritual leadership we had from Dad. One of his favourite verses was “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations” (Psalm 90:1).
He was a man of principle. We will remember him for his examples of fairness, a solid work ethic, and his joy in each new day.
A Celebration of Life was held at the Houston Christian Reformed Church on Tuesday, Dec. 23.
Condolences may be offered at www.raschraderfuneralhome.com R.A. Schrader Funeral Services – 250 847-2441