John Traa

Obituary

Passed on

September 9, 1942 – June 8, 2026

With sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of John Traa on June 8, 2026, at the age of 83 years with his wife, Anne Marie, by his side. He is now at peace in the arms of his Savior. 

John was pre-deceased by his parents, Regina and Hendrikus; sisters, Hendrika, Wilhelmina; brothers, Ted, Gerry, and Martin.

He will be fondly remembered and loved by his wife of 29 years, Anne-Marie; children, Veronica, John (Arlene), Carol (Guy); stepchildren, Jennifer (Brad), Viola (Logan), Sophia (Nolan); 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Also remembering John are his siblings and in-laws, Greta, (Noelline), Hank, (Cecile), Tina, Helen, (Baiba), along with many nieces and nephews.

John was born on September 9, 1942, in the Netherlands, eighth of 10 children. The Traa family lived in Achterveld and went through many hardships and tragedies of living nearby a World War II battlefront and post war conditions in the Netherlands. John was remembering their family taking in two Jewish boys, Nico and Rolf Kamp during the war, as well as a gentleman named Oppenheimer. John’s parents were honored as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem “for help rendered to Jewish persons during the period of the Holocaust at the risk of their lives”. It was only years later when he matured that he realized the extreme risk his parents had taken. And how God had protected them through this and then again later on in his life.

John’s family immigrated to Canada in 1954. John stayed home to help his Mom and Dad while his older siblings left home. He then worked as an orderly at the Thompson Hospital, a laborer at Thompson mine, a millwright at Canada Packers, Rayovac and Man on Poultry. He got many awards for his good work ethics and dedication to his job.  

John spent the next twenty years raising his children and working long hours. His brother, Gerry, and sister-in-law, Noelline, helped him when Veronica, John, and Carol were young. He was very grateful they helped him get a new start.

In 1996 John met Anne-Marie in church and they got married in 1997. He then moved to Fisher Branch and was stepfather to Jennifer, Viola and Sophia.

John was a jack of all trades. He could fix just about anything if he put his mind to it; from vehicles, tractors, machinery, appliances. He was a major trouble shooter and if he could get the part, it was as good as done.

John was known for his great sense of humor and when he got that twinkle in his eye you knew something funny was going to come out of his mouth. He had a way of bringing the calm to the storm. Everyone loved him. 

He battled multiple illnesses in the last couple years that literally took his breath away. He kept his faith and positive outlook throughout all of it. A real testimony for the family and friends who observed him. 

He will be missed greatly. That hole in our hearts will always be there. We cherish the beautiful memories we’ve made and know we will join him someday in paradise with our Jesus. 

We would like to thank: Dr. Ada Man, Dr. Ansarian, and Dr. Adey Adegbesan for all their support over the years. Also, our friends, family and church family that prayed for us during these difficult times. Thank you.

In accordance with John’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of John’s life will be held at 1 p.m. at Lakeside (lighthouse) Church of God at Solvin Road and #9 highway in Gimli on September 12. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Siloam Mission.

---

Comments