Loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Nelis Waayenberg, went to be with his Savior on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the age of 79 years.

Nelis was born in Nijkerk, Holland, on November 27, 1944. His parents immigrated to Canada on April 1, 1952, when he was 7 years old. He grew up on the family dairy farm in the Grande Prairie area.

Nelis studied Agriculture at Fairview College, and in his late 20’s, moved to the city of Grande Prairie, where his family was established, and raised his three daughters. He became an independent drywall contractor for 30 plus years.

Nelis’ family continued to grow when he married Adelle in 1994. Adelle brought with her many blessings, including baby sisters Daren and Debie. Nelis and Adelle purchased Mountview groceries in 1999, where they positively impacted the community.

Nelis enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He looked forward to spending his free time fishing with his buddies, especially his best friend Terry. He loved discussing political issues and other story-telling moments during intermissions of his favorite hockey team, the Oilers.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Adelle; four daughters: Tammy (Shawn) Winstanley, Frances (Darin) Allen, Laura (Russell) Dixon, and Debie (Guillaume) Martel; grandchildren: Lyndsey (Tom), Jordan, Devin, Kolton, Josh, and Gerret; as well as three brothers, one sister, nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren.

Nelis was predeceased by his parents Jane and Gerrit; brother Gerry, and daughter Daren.

A special thank you to Dr. Keegan and the GPRH staff for taking care of Nelis where he spent his final days.

His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those he loved and interacted with.

Please join in sharing your memories of Nelis on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 11:00am at Oliver’s Funeral Home (10005 107 Ave.).

Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heartandstroke.ca/donations).

A Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Nelis' obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website.