Klaas Zuiderbaan passed peacefully at home in the early morning of Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 at the age of 90. He was born in Gorredyk, Holland on Aug. 19 , 1928 to parents Roelof Jan Zuiderbaan and Rieuwkje Hofstee

In 1956, he immigrated to the United States with his family, where he took up dairy farming in Carnation, Wash. He enjoyed working on the farm in the small community of Vincent, and enjoyed many good times and good friends who all helped out one another. Upon retirement from the dairy business, he moved to the South Whidbey community.

He is survived by his brother Bouwe Zuiderbaan and many nieces and nephews in Holland; his former wife Anne Zuiderbaan and daughter Wendy (Bill) Goodland of Burlington; daughter Lory Zuiderbaan (Mike Helland) of Clinton; granddaughter Holly (Matt) Wienker of Ferndale; and grandson Dustin (Rachel) Fairbrook, of Seattle.

He was a wonderful caring father, grandfather and companion to Sally Berry and all of her family. He was a father figure and grandpa to many people that he cherished deeply.

Sally and Klaas spent 24 years together, having many adventures hunting, fishing and running the “Weenie Wagon” at the fairgrounds feeding many hungry equestrians!

He served as the Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club president for five years, 1997-2000 and 2005, where he and Sally, spent countless hours improving the ranges, shooting trap, cooking for events and enjoying their friends playing dominoes.

He loved making his clam chowder at The Island Church of Whidbey soup kitchen lunches.

His other loves were his vegetable and flower gardens, and his blue and yellow Ford tractor. He still was making hay at age 89 with Roy Berry.

He will be greatly missed. A celebration of life will be held 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019 at the Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club. Potluck desserts welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Senior Services of South Whidbey.