C. Martin Baan

September 14, 1915, Martin Baan was born in Oud-Alblas, Holland, youngest in a family of four boys and one girl. At the age of 23, he immigrated to Punnicky, Saskatchewan where he homesteaded with his twin brother Harry. Two years later, he returned to Holland to marry Catherine van der Velden whome he loved, cherished and cared for 66 years. Together they returned to Saskatchewan to farm. Thier two oldest children, Gerry and John were born there. In 1946 they returned to Holland. They found that conditions there had changed. After the drowning death of thier daughter, they returned to Canada and settled in Ontario, where Nellie, Gerald and David were born. In choosing a place to settle, Martin was less concerned about the quality of the land than the presence of a community of faith that would provide spiritual nurture for his family. Martin was very active in various capacities of faith-oriented organizations - especially the Gideons. Martin served on the board of Gay Lea Foods for an extended period of time and was involved in various farm-related organizations. Martin will be sadly missed by his wife Catherine, his children John and wife Mary, Nellie Booker and husband Howard, Gerald and wife Doreen and David and wife Dianne. Special Grandpa will be missed by Steve and Teresa Baan, Don and Monique Baan, Heather and Richard Gerber, Mark and Becky Booker, Anna and Jim Raddon, Jonathon and Lauren Booker, Joel and Wesley Booker, Christine and Richard Snyder, Jeremy Baan, Kim and Brent Battler, Jason and Erin Baan, Charmaine and Manny Berenguel. Also missing great-grandpa are Allison, Scott & Craig Baan, Ryan, Adam & Emma Baan, Jordan & Jamie Gerber, Nathaniel & Eva Booker, Grace and Erin Raddon, Matthew, Kristie & Daniel Snyder, Owen Battler and Cadi Baan. Predeceased by his parents, daugter Gerry, three brothers and one sister. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones. (Psalm 116:15)