Hemmo Buter

Hemmo Buter, a resident of the Williamsburg area for the past 51 years, passed away peacefully at his home on Mon., March 31, 2008. He was 86.
Hemmo was born in Emmercompascuum, the Netherlands on May 31, 1921 to Adries and Jantje Buter (nee Engelage), and was raised there along with his 11 brothers and sisters, four of whom died in infancy.
He married Grietje Meems on Feb. 27, 1945 and together they had five children: Jane, Ralph, Martha, Andy, and Hank. In May of 1957 the entire family emmigrated to Canada and settled in Williamsburg. Shortly after their sixth child, Ann, was born.
A carpenter by trade, Hemmo quickly built a reputation for quality workmanship and he was kept very busy building houses, barns, churches, etcetera. Along with George Brunsveld he started a business called BB Construction. Eventually Hemmo's son Ralph became a partner in the business, and the name was changed to Triple B Structures, which currently employs Ralph, Andy, Randy, and Ryan Buter, as well as several other local residents.
Hemmo was a faithful servant of God and this faith carried him through many difficult times in his life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and he enjoyed the occasions when he could gather with all of his family.
Hemmo and Grietje enjoyed travelling and throughout their lifetime they visited Mexico, Canada, U.S.A., Europe, and Israel.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years Grietje Buter, his children Jane (Hank) Luimes of RR4, Winchester, Ralph (Anna) of RR1, Morrisburg, Martha Lee of Rocky Mountain House, Alta., Andy (Diane) of Williamsburg, Hank (Pat) of Williamsburg, and Ann (Hans) Schroer of Kemptville, and by his sister Elly (Jacob) VanBeilen of the Netherlands, 16 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by infant brothers Harm, Frans, and Jan, brothers Lucas, Harm, and Gezienus, an infant sister Antje Buter, and sisters Antje Van Beilen, Geesje Buter, and Marchien Buter.
The funeral service was held at the Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church on Thurs., April 3, followed by interment at New Union Cemetery in Williamsburg. The pallbearers were grandsons Mark Luimes, Randy Buter, Cory Lee, David Buter, Dennis Buter, and Jason Buter.
Donations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital or Creation Ministries International would be appreciated by the family.