John Daniel Poortinga

John was born June 13, 1946 in Friesland, Netherlands to Henry and Sadie Poortinga. He was two years old when his family moved to California until moving to Whatcom County to a dairy farm where he and nine siblings grew up. John attended Ebenezer Grade School and then Lynden High School. After graduation he joined the National Guard. In 1967 he married Pat Vlasman. They had three children: Sidney, Jodee and Dusty. John worked many jobs. He wasn’t afraid to try anything. He especially enjoyed logging roads and driving heavy equipment. John had many passions in life. He always enjoyed attending Church, spending time with grandkids Corey, Brennen, Tara and Chris, hunting, chopping wood, riding his motorcycle, mechanics and camping with family and friends. He had many hunting trips in eastern Washington. After retirement, Curly really enjoyed life. You could easily find him at the golf course with his buddies. He enjoyed the social part as much as the sport. It was good that he did, as in 2010 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. After losing his license, he enjoyed his bicycle. Is still gave him a little freedom with many trips to the Auction Barn. John thoroughly enjoyed people. He enjoyed all his family and friends. The last six years of his life he spent at Bellingham at Orchard where he was dearly loved. A special thanks to all who work there for all they did for him. He passed November 1, 2022. Memorials may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association or Whatcom Hospice House John was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Sadie Poortinga and stepmother Dena Poortinga, brother Tony Poortinga and sister Evelyn Heeringa. John is survived by his wife Pat of 55 years, son Sid (Angie) Poortinga, daughter Jodee (Shaun) Day, and son Dusty Poortinga, grandchildren Corey (Carmen) Poortinga, Brennen Poortinga, Tara Johnson and Chris Poortinga, and great grandchild Allison Poortinga. John will be greatly missed by his sisters Ann (Bruce) Taubenhium, Mary (Art) Doering, Tillie Van Van Drongelon, Sadie (Wayne) Cardin, Sylvia (Jerry) Watson, brothers Hank (Kathy) Poortinga and Ed (Anita) Poortinga, brother-in-law Marv Heeringa, sister-in-law June Viddal, stepsister Gerdine Morrison, stepbrother Garry Van Dyken. John was loved and survived by many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held November 14th at New Life Fellowship Church at 3:30pm. 810 E Pole Rd, Lynden, WA 98264

John Daniel Poortinga

June 13, 1946 - November 1, 2022