Gysbert (Gys, Gilbert) J. Varekamp, 77, passed away on Friday, Dec. 27, 2013 after a yearlong struggle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Rosenburg, Netherlands on March 29, 1936 and immigrated to Escalon, California in November of 1960. He worked as a milker and then dairy farmhand for 41 years in Escalon riding his red Honda motorcycle back and forth to the farm. After working long hours, he loved to come home and tend to his vegetable and flower garden which he took great pride in maintaining. Until recently he placed a bouquet of flowers from his garden in the Escalon Christian Reformed Church each week and gave many bouquets to his family, friends and neighbors.

He was a member of the church choir and chose his favorite songs for his memorial service. He also had a passion for trains and would walk his dog Abby to the railroad track to watch the trains go by. Golfing with his friends or family was something he also enjoyed very much during his retirement years.

‘Gys’ loved his neighbors and each year hosted the National Night Out at his house. He planned great barbeques and invited anyone who wanted to come. He showed his love for others by giving of his time and helping others whenever he could. He loved the Lord and was not afraid to share his faith and his greatest desire in life is that everyone would accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, who he absolutely adored and cherished, and his three daughters, Joanne (Greg) Bixel, Wendy Zollinger, and Patricia (Matt) Stephens; six grandchildren, Erica Mesker, Stacy (Mark) Paulsen, Jeffrey Mesker, Amy (Nathan) Dabulewicz, David and Kara Zollinger; three great-grandchildren Owen, Cody and Kaylee; and three sisters who live in the Netherlands.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister, also from the Netherlands.

All are welcome to attend his memorial service on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014 at the Escalon Christian Reformed Church.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

Jan. 1, 2014