Klaas Veenland

KLAAS VEENLAND of Granum, beloved husband of Clara, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at the age of 94 years. 

Besides his loving wife Clara, Klaas is survived by three daughters:  Joanne (Anton) Navratil, Karen (Darcy) Alexander, Nancy (Doug) Ashley; and one son Allen (Janna) Veenland.  He is also survived by grandchildren:  Jordon, Brandon (Cassandra); Brittany (Dixon), Stephanie (Travis); Cara, Braeden; Ian, Claire, and great grandchildren:  Charlotte, Grayson, Evangeline; Lillian, and Kalder.  He is survived by one sister, Jean Postman, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Klaas was predeceased by his parents Ubele and Tjitske Veenland, a son, Aubrey, brother and sister-in-law Peter (Minnie) Veenland, and brother-in-law Lewis Postman.

Klaas was born 94 years ago in the living room of the family home at Nine Mile Butte. In 1953, he married Clara Nauta; they began their marriage living in High River where Clara was a nurse. Klaas worked at a local garage and drove the owner’s taxi in the evenings. Before long, they moved back to the house on the hill east of Granum making a life together farming and raising their family. He resided in the house where he was born until his passing.

Over the years Klaas was active in several ventures. Early on he worked with his neighbours to create a local phone system. He also worked to establish the Hollandale REA, bringing electricity into the area; even planting poles and running the wires. Klaas was involved in building a seed cleaning plant in Granum, and he served on the board often over the years. In the 70’s, he was part of a group that purchased land in the foothills west of Granum that became RoundUp Ranch. It was through this venture that the first Tarentaise breeding stock cattle were brought to North America. With local veterinarians Dr. Gerry Beste and Dr. Al Martin, Klaas started Macleod Proved Sire Service making the best in bovine genetics available to local producers.

Klaas always enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and camping with friends and family. His family was the JOY of his life and once grandchildren began to arrive the most coveted seat in the house was beside “Papa” in his big recliner rocker. Klaas always enjoyed nothing more than interaction with the small people in his life, including his children, 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

Klaas possessed a quiet, firm faith, which shaped and colored everything he did, living in gratitude for the salvation afforded to him through Christ.

A Private Service will be held on Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 at the GRANUM CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, with Pastor Henry Veldboom officiating.  Interment will precede the service in the Granum C.R. Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation 100 - 119 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Klaas Veenland, please visit our floral store.