John Gouw

1945 - 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of John Gouw on Monday, November 9, 2026, and with much peace that we are assured that he has entered into the presence of his faithful and loving Saviour.

John was the beloved husband of Weltje Gouw (née Sytsma); loving father of his two sons, Curtis (Taria) Gouw of Bow Island and Lynn (Amanda) Gouw of Leduc and his daughter Candice (Kirk) Halisky of Edmonton; proud grandpa of four grandchildren Hailey (Carter), Atlyn (Jamie), Jonah and Benjaman. John and Weltje also have a surrogate granddaughter Yolanda and her family whom they hold dear in their hearts.

He was predeceased by his parents, three brothers and two sisters, and is survived by two brothers and one sister.

John was born on December 13, 1945, in Barendrecht, South Holland, The Netherlands. He, his nine siblings and parents immigrated to Canada in the spring of 1951, where the family first moved to Magrath, and then started farming in the Barnwell area.

John and Weltje married on December 29, 1967, they remained in the Barnwell area to raise their family. After many moves and adventures over the years, taking them from the northern end of Alberta to the southern end, John and Weltje made their home in Bow Island, surrounded by many good friends and family.

John was an avid reader, continuously researching and learning, as well as simply enjoying the latest murder mystery novel. He loved reading to his grandchildren and telling them all sorts of stories both fun and educational. John loved the outdoors, camping, fishing and exploring. Agriculture remained in his bones throughout much of his working life, farming, selling equipment for John Deere, and eventually morphing into a company that helped improve crop outcomes for many farmers. Many other years of his work life revolved around improved health and well-being, from selling water systems to establishing Gouw Naturals. John was passionate about whichever career he embarked on and worked tirelessly and professionally. He had a big personality and loved to visit and talk with whomever he encountered, whether this was at the local bakery, at church or on his back deck on a warm summer’s day with a cold brew in his hand. He had a distinctive laugh and a one-of-a-kind personality, who was blessed with a life well lived.

John will be dearly missed, but forever remembered as a man of God, husband, father, brother, grandpa, uncle and friend.

The Funeral Service will be held at the Evangelical Free Church, 214 - 4 Avenue West, Bow Island on Monday, November 16, 2026 at 1:00 P.M.

Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting www.bowislandefc.com and clicking on "live" at 12:45 P.M. on Monday, November 16, 2026. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 1:00 P.M.

  If friends so desire, please consider a donation to “a cause close to your heart.”

The family thanks you for all the prayers, well wishes and kindness shown to them during this difficult time.