Clarence Alvin Roosendaal

CLARENCE ALVIN ROOSENDAAL

January 28, 1940 – October 3, 2023

“When you lose someone you love, you gain an angel you know. Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal”. Thomas Moore
Clarence “CR” Roosendaal went to be with the Lord on October 3, 2023. He was born in Lynden, WA on January 28, 1940 to Nick Roosendaal and Winifred  "Winnie" Roosendaal-Grove (Bode). He was the oldest of his siblings. He attended Lynden Christian Schools until he completed his schooling in 8th grade, when he left school to work on his dad's dairy farm. Don’t let his years of education fool you, he was one of the most intelligent people you would meet.
When he was 16 years old his family relocated to Sunnyside due to sister Ruth's asthma issues. It was here in Sunnyside where he would meet the love of his life at church, Maria Laverman. During these years he would run around with Hank Timmerman and Pete Laverman, who would later become his brother-in-law. The 3 would go cruising, go for late-night breakfasts, smoke Lucky Strikes and drink soda. CR and Hank would reminisce of these days often.
CR then moved to California for about a year, where he worked construction before coming back home, with bright blonde hair, touched by the sun. He also brought back what would be his family's first television. They thought they were in heaven.
In 1961, CR & Maria were united in marriage at the old Christian Reformed Church on Franklin. They had 3 children, Sandra, Brenda and Randy.
From 1966-1972 CR was a volunteer firefighter with Sunnyside FD. CR worked for Newhouse Dairy, Parrish Farms, installing pools with the Pilot family, and then worked with Laverman Builders. CR began his +30 year career with the City of Sunnyside for Public Works and would go on to Supervise the Parks Department for many years. After retiring, he enjoyed his job so much that he went back and continued to work for the City part-time until 2021.
CR was a lifelong hunter and fisherman. He especially loved hunting Bickleton and Leavenworth but adventured to Wyoming and California for his hunts as well and Canada on fishing excursions. His mounts were previously displayed at the Sunnyside Museum, then later at the new ACE hardware. His family has many fond memories of camping. He was a great woodworker, and his family cherishes the benches and birdhouses he was so known for. CR and Maria were part of a motorcycle club and enjoyed many trips on their Goldwing. They also spent later years snow birding in Arizona. CR always had a love of old country, but it was in later years that he found his passion for karaoke, after years of whistling songs around the house. He regularly showed off his talents at the VFW, Eagles and the Blue Bird Tavern. He even had his basement in his house on the hill set up for karaoke and you knew going for a visit you were in for a treat. CR even made a CD of his songs, "Keep It Country", and loved giving copies to any and everyone.
CR was a member of The United Reformed Church of Sunnyside.
CR had a kind, strong yet gentle soul about him. He was a genuine, honest straight shooter. He was so loved by his family and friends and will be remembered for his witty sense of humor and sweet smile.
CR is preceded in death by father Nick, mother Winnie, brother Ronnie, infant sister Ruth Elaine, sister Ruth, and dear friend Darrell Cook.
CR is survived by his loving wife Maria, brother Tom Roosendaal (Rose), sister Alyce Larson, brother-in-law Larry Howard, children Sandra Eckelberger, Brenda Berk, Randy Roosendaal (Diane), grandchildren Tyler Coleman (Bekah), Tim Mears, Matt Roosendaal (Tiera), Chantell Roosendaal, Brianna Ware, great grandchildren James, Austyn, Nathaniel, Nicole and Jasmine, and many beloved friends throughout the years.
Please join us and share your favorite memories and stories of CR on October 11th for Graveside service to be held at the Outlook Cemetery at 1 PM. There will be an open house celebration of life to follow at 2 PM at the Sunnyside Christian Reformed Church, 700 N 16th St. Sunnyside. Please use the second entrance doors on the right, not the main entrance doors. Those wishing to sign Clarence’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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