It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Johannes Christiaan Turkenburg on February 15, 2012 in Kamloops, BC at the age of 85.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Ria; his children Alice, Yvonne (Mark Allen), Judy (Lorne Wilcock), John (Michelle), and Ann (Kevin Scott); his grandchildren Jordana, Matthew, Nicholas, Britni, Lexi, Logan and Ethan and, from the Netherlands, his brothers Arie and Frans and, sister Riet.

Joe was predeceased by his baby daughter Shirley and his brother Bert.

Joe was born January 29, 1927 in Haarlem, Netherlands, where he grew up. After WWII, Joe went to Jakarta, Indonesia to train in the Dutch army. Upon his return to Holland in 1950, he met the love of his life Ria, at a dance. Joe and Ria were married in 1952 and soon after Joe immigrated to Canada to set up a new life for he and his bride. Initially, Joe worked as a logger in Enderby, BC but after Ria arrived in 1953, they moved to Kamloops where Joe worked as a baker for Toastmaster's & Women's bakery's.

In 1960, Joe opened Park Avenue Bakery at 4th. and Victoria Street; later moving his store to the North Shore. Joe took great pride in supplying baked goods to many local businesses and creating beautiful wedding and birthday cakes. He will forever be remembered for his delicious Black Forest cake.

Joe started working for Cariboo College as a baking instructor in 1974 and worked there until his retirement in 1991. At the College, he had the pleasure of teaching many students and working with colleagues who became lifelong friends. Joe thoroughly enjoyed his retirement. He liked to spend his time working in the garden or tinkering in his workshop. Joe especially loved the water, whether it be swimming or sailing in his homemade sailboat. Joe and Ria enjoyed travelling to Europe, throughout Canada and cruising to Alaska and California.

Above all, family was most important to Joe and he always made an effort to spend time with them. We enjoyed many family gatherings at home and, special Sunday picnics at the Shuswap Lake.

We will forever hold our Dad, Joe,
in our hearts and treasure the many good memories he gave us.
We love you Dad.

Prayers will be recited at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 635 Tranquille Road on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church on Monday, February 20, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Father Peter Nguyen celebrant. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Schumacher and the staff at Pine Grove Lodge for their friendship and exceptional love and care of Joe.

Should friends desire, donations to the Pine Grove Residents Society, 313 McGowan Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2B 2N8 in memory of Joe would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com.

Service arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, 250-374-1454.